Detection of anti-Leptospira antibodies in domestic captive primates from Acre, Brazil

Abstract

Because the Wild Animals Screening Center (CETAS) focuses intensely on restoration and maintenance of primate health and diversity in the Amazon region, detection of potential threats to animal health is crucial. In this view, neglected infections such as leptospirosis are of particular interest. In this report, we have studied the seroreactivity of anti-Leptospira antibodies from primate blood samples collected at CETAS between September 2011 and September 2012. Of the 14 animals investigated by the microscopic agglutination test using live antigens, five (35.7%) were reactive against serovars Celledoni (1), Hebdomadis (1), Icterohaemorrhagiae (2), and Sejroe (1). The results indicate that it is important to identify the contact of these animals with possible pathogens in order to ensure reintroduction of healthy animals into the wild and further understand the disease epidemiology in animals under captivity, gathering, and voluntary surrender of domestic captivity in Acre, Brazil.