Pcr detection of Leptospira DNA in rodents and insecti- vores from Tanzania
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Date
2005-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sokoine University of Agriculture
Abstract
The true prevalence of leptospirosis in Tanzania is unknown or underestimated. In this study we
report on the prevalence of leptospirosis in Morogoro, Tanzania, by PCR detection of leptospiral DNA in 27 kid-
neys of rodents (Mastomys spp, Rattus spp, and Mus spp) and insectivores (Crocidura spp). The PCR study comple-
mented previous attempts to isolate the leptospires and to perform seroprevalence by the microscopic agglutination
test (MAT). Results of this study indicated an overall detection rate of 11 % by PCR, 7.4% by isolation and 0% by
the MAT. Based on our analysis, it is recommended to use PCR and isolation for the detection of leptospires in
potential host animals.
Description
Belgian journal of zoology 2005; 135 (supplement): 17-19
Keywords
Leptospirosis, Prevalence, Microagglutination, Rodents, Tanzania