Leptospira infection in rats: A literature review of global prevalence and distribution.

摘要: Background The role of rodents in Leptospira epidemiology and transmission is well known worldwide. Rats are to carry different pathogenic serovars spp. capable causing disease humans animals. Wild rats (Rattus spp.), especially the Norway/brown rat norvegicus) black (R. rattus), most important sources infection, as they abundant urban peridomestic environments. In this study, we compiled summarized available data literature on global prevalence exposure infection rats, compared distribution with respect prevalence, geographic location, method detection, diversity serogroups/serovars, species rat. Methods We conducted a thorough search using PubMed without restrictions publication date Google Scholar manually for other relevant articles. Abstracts were included if described pertaining spp.) from any region around world, including reviews. extracted articles selected author(s), year publication, method(s) detection used, rat(s), sample size, (overall within each species), information species, serogroups, and/or detected. Findings A retrieved 303 titles. After screening duplicates inclusion/exclusion criteria, manual inclusion articles, 145 review. varied considerably based some reporting zero countries such Madagascar, Tanzania, Faroe Islands, others high >80% studies done Brazil, India, Philippines. top five that reported number include India (n = 13), Malaysia 9), Brazil 8), Thailand 7), France 6). detecting or isolating also among studies. Studies Rattus higher R. norvegicus. serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae was prevalent Additionally, review provided evidence laboratory rodent colonies controlled environments, implicating zoonotic potential animal caretakers. Conclusions Reports varies widely, many countries. This emphasizes need enhanced surveillance programs standardized methods assessing rats. demonstrated several weaknesses current As such, necessitates call protocols testing studies, diagnostic used. deeper understanding ecology environments warranted. It pertinent control be proposed conjunction increased efforts public awareness education regarding leptospirosis prevention.