Leptospira spp. in commensal rodents, Beijing, China

J Wildl Dis. 2013 Apr;49(2):461-3. doi: 10.7589/2012-10-261.

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a widely distributed zoonosis, and rats (Rattus spp.) are its most common source. We found antibodies to leptospires in 115 (30.2%) of 381 commensal rodents from Beijing, China. Commensal rodents might represent a potential source for human and pet leptospirosis in urban environments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild / microbiology
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • China / epidemiology
  • Disease Reservoirs / microbiology
  • Disease Reservoirs / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leptospira / immunology*
  • Leptospirosis / epidemiology
  • Leptospirosis / transmission
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rodent Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Zoonoses

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial