Received: February 23, 2009.

Accepted: July 6, 2009.

Abstract published online: July 8, 2009.

Full paper published online: November 30, 2009.

Leptospira spp. ANTIBODIES IN CAPTIVE COATIS (Nasua nasua STORR, 1780) (Carnivora: Procyonidae)

Langoni H (1), Kawaguchi MF (1), Oshika JC (2), Da Silva RC (1), Teixeira CR (2)

(1) Zoonosis Research Center, NUPEZO, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry School, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anesthesiology, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry School, São Paulo State University, UNESP, Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.

ABSTRACT: Leptospirosis is a worldwide infection that affects many species, including wild animals. The present study aimed to detect Leptospira spp. antibodies in 17 captive coatis (Nasua nasua) by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Nine (52.94%) animals tested positive and the following serovars were identified: Copenhageni (22.22%), Shermani (22.22%), Andamana (11.11%), Wolfii (11.11%) and Pyrogenes (11.11%). Two samples presented coagglutination, one (11.11%) for Hebdomadis and Wolfii, and another (11.11%) for Hebdomadis, Hardjo and Wolfii. The current study revealed the presence of the infection even in animals without any clinical signs, reinforcing the possibility that wild animals in captivity may be infected by leptospire serovars, thus enabling reservoirs.

KEY WORDS: Nasua nasua, Leptospira spp., captive coatis, antibodies, microscopic agglutination test.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

FINANCIAL SOURCE: FAPESP, grant 2005/02621-6.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

HELIO LANGONI, Departamento de Higiene Veterinária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Jr, s/n, Botucatu, SP, 18618-000, Brasil. Phone: + 55 14 38116270. Fax: + 55 14 38116075. Email: hlangoni@fmvz.unesp.br.