Using a top predator as a sentinel for environmental contamination with pathogenic bacteria: the Iberian wolf and leptospires

摘要: The Iberian wolf (Canis lupus) is the top predator in environments which it lives, feeding on a wide range of species, thus encountering disease agents. Therefore, can serve as sentinel environmental contamination with pathogens. We investigated exposure free-living wolves to 14 serovars Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Kidney samples from 49 collected 2010-2013 northwestern Spain were analysed by culture, direct immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction. Tissue fluids for antibodies microscopic agglutination test. Ten (observed prevalence: 20%, 95% confidence interval = 11-33%) showed evidence contact leptospires, eight through detection nine serology (7 positive according both techniques). Titres below cut-off level also detected seven cases. Serovars confirmed Canicola (n 4), Icterohaemorrhagiae 3) Sejroe, Ballum Grippotyphosa 1 each), indicating that infected dogs, rodents ungulates, are natural hosts supporting utility other large predators sentinels