Serosurvey of anti- Leptospira sp. and anti- Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in capybaras and collared and white-lipped peccaries

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2017 Mar-Apr;50(2):248-250. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0315-2016.

Abstract

Introduction:: Brazilian native species are reemerging as increasingly free-ranging populations.

Methods:: Sera from 31 capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and 28 peccaries (Pecari tajacu and Tayassu pecari) were tested for anti-Leptospira and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies using microscopic seroagglutination test.

Results:: Nineteen percent of free-ranging and 10.0% of captive capybaras, along with 31.8% of collared peccaries, were seropositive for T. gondii. None was seropositive for Leptospira sp.

Conclusions:: The present findings indicated low risk of disease, particularly among capybaras and white-lipped peccaries; however, active surveillance programs are important for monitoring wildlife health and public health once they are in public parks around cities.

MeSH terms

  • Agglutination Tests
  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood
  • Artiodactyla / microbiology
  • Artiodactyla / parasitology
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Leptospira / immunology
  • Leptospirosis / diagnosis
  • Leptospirosis / epidemiology
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary*
  • Prevalence
  • Rodentia / microbiology
  • Rodentia / parasitology
  • Toxoplasma / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / diagnosis
  • Toxoplasmosis, Animal / epidemiology*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Antibodies, Protozoan