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Research
(Published
online: 25-06-2014)
1 3.
Leptospiral agglutinins in captive and free ranging non-human
primates in Sarawak, Malaysia - S. Thayaparan, I. D.
Robertson and M. T. Abdullah
Veterinary World, 7(6): 428-431
doi:
10.14202/vetworld.2014.428-431
S. Thayaparan: College of Veterinary Medicine, School of
Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 6150 Murdoch,
Western Australia; thayaan@yahoo.com
I. D. Robertson: College of Veterinary Medicine, School of
Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, 6150 Murdoch,
Western Australia; I.Robertson@murdoch.edu.au
M. T. Abdullah: Department of Zoology, Universiti Malaysia
Sarawak, 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia; tabdulla@frst.unimas.my
Received: 16-03-2014, Revised: 19-05-2014, Accepted: 24-05-2014,
Published online: 25-06-2014
Corresponding author: S. Thayaparan, email:thayaan@yahoo.com
Abstract
Aim: The proposed study was
carried out to determine the extent of exposure to leptospirosis
in non-human primates.
Materials and Methods: Trapping of non-human primates was
carried out opportunistically around the Bako National Park and
the Matang Wildlife Center in the vicinity of human settlements
and tourism areas of Sarawak. Blood samples were obtained from the
saphenous vein to determine the presence of antibodies by the
Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to 17 serovars of Leptospira
commonly found in Malaysia.
Results: This study reports the screening of twelve
primates (eight captive and four free ranging) for leptospirosis.
Eight of the 12 monkeys (66.6%; 95% CI 34.9-90.1) reacted against
one or two serovars of Leptospira (Lai and Leptospira Lepto175).
The serovar Lai is considered pathogenic for different mammals,
including humans. Leptospira Lepto 175 has been identified as an
intermediate strain and further studies are being undertaken on
this serovar.
Conclusion: These results are important as primates may act
as reservoirs of Leptospira spp. for humans, which may potentially
affect tourism (economic loss), conservation efforts and public
health.
Keywords: leptospirosis, MAT, non-human primates,
seroprevalence, wildlife, zoonotic disease.
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