Background: Environmental sampling provides important information that enhances the understanding of the leptospiral human-environment-animal relationship. Several studies have described the distribution of Leptospira in the environment. However, more targeted sites, that is, areas surrounding leptospirosis patients' houses, remain under-explored. Therefore, this study aims to detect the presence of Leptospira spp. in the residential areas of patients with leptospirosis.
Methods: Soil and water samples near leptospirosis patients' residences were collected, processed and cultured into EMJH media. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to confirm the identity of Leptospira.
Results: EMJH culture and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed predominant growth of pathogenic Leptospira kmetyi (17%, n=7/42). All tested locations had at least one Leptospira sp., mostly from the soil samples.
Conclusion: More than one species of Leptospira may be present in a sampling area. The most common environmental isolates were pathogenic L. kmetyi.
Keywords: EMJH; Environment; Leptospira; Leptospirosis; PCR.
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