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All Journal Journal of Applied Veterinary Science and Technology
Mathayo Cralency Kikoti
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical, Sokoine University Science of Agriculture, Morogoro
Veterinary

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Detection of Leptospiral Antibodies in Rodents and Shrews in Human Residence Vicinity in Kilwa District: A Potential Public Health Risk Mathayo Cralency Kikoti; Athumani Msalale Lupindu; Abdul S. Katakweba
Journal of Applied Veterinary Science And Technology Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): April 2025
Publisher : Universitas Airlangga

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20473/javest.V6.I1.2025.10-18

Abstract

Background: Leptospirosis is a worldwide neglected zoonotic infection that affects both humans and animals in tropical and subtropical countries. Purpose:  The objective of this study was to determine the presence of leptospiral antibodies in rodents and shrews, as evidence of public health threat. Method: Sera from 202 rodents and shrews were prepared and tested against five live antigens to detect leptospiral antibodies by using microscopic agglutination test. Leptospiral serovars commonly reported in Tanzania namely; Sokoine, Pomona, Hebdomadis, Lora, and Grippotyphosa were used in this study. Face-to-face interviews about cause, clinical signs, transmission, treatment and risk practices were conducted.  Results: The overall prevalence of leptospiral antibodies in rodents and shrews was 14.36% (95% CI:0.0983-0.1996), whereby mastomys natalensis was a more predominant positive host species. Serovar Sokoine was more prevalent compared to other tested serovars. The antibody titers obtained in this study ranged from 1:20 to 1:80, which suggests a long-standing exposure of rodents and shrews to different leptospiral serovars. Awareness of respondents about leptospirosis was below 50% in all aspects of enquiry.  Conclusion: Given the human economic activities and the ecology of rodents and shrews in study area, the findings of this study suggest a public health threat. Therefore, rodents and shrews control should be encouraged but also  public and institutional efforts to prevent outbreaks are recommended.
Co-Authors Abdul S. Katakweba Athumani Msalale Lupindu