"Molecular detection of Leptospira spp. in free-ranging wild boars (Sus scrofa)"

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis that affects domestic and wild animals and humans. This disease is epidemic in certain regions, more frequently in tropical and developing countries, causing serious socio-economic problems. The etiological agent of the disease comprises pathogenic spirochetes, belonging to the Order Spirochaetales, Family Leptospiraceae and Genus Leptospira. They are obligate aerobic, helical, flexible and mobile microorganisms measuring 6 to 20 µm in length and 0.1 µm in diameter and saprophytic species. Occupational exposures and situations related to travel, recreational activities (ecotourism) and sports activities carried out in water (swimming, canoeing, rafting and fishing) have emerged as relevant in the transmission of leptospirosis. These activities favor exposure to the agent, probably due to the presence of wild reservoirs. In Brazil, the wild boar (Sus scrofa) is classified as an invasive exotic species, present in plantation areas, such as sugarcane, soybeans and corn. The massive presence of wild boars in these areas represents an important source of damage to agriculture, and can be a serious risk to human and animal health, due to the identification of wild boars as a reservoir of many zoonotic agents, such as leptospires. Fragments of liver, spleen and heart from 40 free-ranging wild boars, from hunting in the Northwest region of the state of São Paulo, will be used for molecular research on Leptospira spp. with conventional PCR molecular techniques, using the primers LEP1 and LEP 2, to detect the genus Leptospira and, if there are positive samples, molecular techniques will be carried out directed to the LipL32 gene, present only in pathogenic leptospires, using the primers LipL32_45F and LipL32_286R, as well as genetic sequencing of positive samples will be carried out.