Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Leptospira infection in dogs in Soledad Colombia study
By Beltrán-Sánchez, Carlos Alberto et al.·Published in Veterinary research communications·2026·Grupo Biodiversidad del Caribe Colombiano·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Molecular surveillance of Leptospira infection in domestic dogs in Soledad, Northern Colombia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 154 dogs in Soledad, Northern Colombia, was tested for leptospirosis, a disease that can be passed from dogs to humans. The study found that 9.1% of the dogs were infected with Leptospira bacteria, with some showing signs of chronic infection by shedding the bacteria in their urine. This means that even if the dogs appear healthy, they can still spread the disease. The researchers emphasized the importance of treating dogs as potential carriers and suggested that preventive measures should be included in public health efforts to reduce the risk of transmission in the area.
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Abstract
Canine leptospirosis is a public health concern due to its zoonotic potential, as infected dogs may act as asymptomatic carriers and shed Leptospira without showing clinical manifestations. The epidemiological boundaries of leptospirosis become blurred in areas where environmental and socio-economic conditions favor pathogen persistence and transmission. A preliminary epidemiological survey was conducted to detect Leptospira DNA in dogs in Soledad municipality, characterized by poverty, unplanned urban growth, limited sanitation services, and recurrent flooding, to estimate infection frequency and assess their potential role as Leptospira carriers. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed in dogs. DNA was extracted from blood and urine samples and analyzed by PCR targeting the 16S rRNA (rrs) and lipL32 genes. Sequences generated were compared through BLASTn. Only the rrs sequences underwent phylogenetic analysis. A total of 154 dogs were enrolled. Sixteen breeds were represented, with mixed-breed predominating (43.50%; 67/154). Overall, infection rate was 9.1% (14/154). Based on rrs and lipL32 sequence identity, and rrs phylogeny, all positive samples were associated with pathogenic Leptospira, most closely related to Leptospira interrogans. Of these, 7.14% (11/154) showed renal shedding, compatible with chronic carriage, while 1.95% (3/154) tested positive in blood, suggesting recent infection. Our findings underscore the need to consider dogs as potential chronic carriers and support the integration of preventive measures into public health programs to reduce transmission risk in the municipality and northern Colombia.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41557245/