Seroprevalence of [i]Leptospira[/i] spp. and [i]Borrelia burgdorferi[/i] sensu lato in Italian horses
Journal Title: Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine - Year 2012, Vol 19, Issue 2
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of [i]Leptospira[/i] spp. and [i]Borrelia burgdorferi[/i] sensu lato in healthy horses living in 7 provinces of central Italy. In the period 2007-2009, sera from 386 horses were tested by microagglutination test (MAT) to detect antibodies to [i]Leptospira[/i] spp., employing the following serovars as antigens: Bratislava, Ballum, Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Pomona, Tarassovi. 3 animals were positive for the serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, 2 to Bratislava, and 1 to Pomona, for a total 1.5% seroprevalence. All sera were examined by immunofluorence antibody test (IFAT) to reveal anti-[i]B. burgdorferi[/i] s.l. antibodies. 94 (24.3%) horses were positive with antibody titres ranging from 1:64 to 1:1,024. The seroprevalence was significantly higher in >10 year-old horses compared to younger subjects. No significant differences in the mean seroprevalence were observed in the respective years. The total mean seroprevalence were strictly related to the environmental conditions of the areas in which the horses lived. No cross-reactions between [i]Leptospira[/i] and [i]Borrelia[/i] were observed. This is the first serological survey on antibodies to [i]B. burgdorferi[/i] s.l. in Italian horses.
Authors and Affiliations
Valentina Ebani, Fabrizio Bertelloni, Paolo Pinzauti, Domenico Cerri
Keywords
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