Evidence for Wild Crocodiles as a Risk for Human Leptospirosis, Mexico.
Sentinel species such as crocodilians are used to monitor the health of ecosystems. However, few studies have documented the presence of zoonotic diseases in wild populations of these reptiles. Herein we analyzed 48 serum samples from Crocodylus acutus (n = 34) and C. moreletii (n = 14) from different sites in the state of Quintana Roo (Mexico) to detect antibodies to Leptospira interrogans by means of a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Crocodylus acutus and C. moreletii tested positive to 11 and 9 serovars, respectively, with Grippotyphosa being the serovar with the highest prevalence in Cozumel island (100%), Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve (70.6%), and Río Hondo (100%), while in Chichankanab Lake, it was Bratislava (75%). Titers ranged from 1:50 to 1:3200, and the most frequent was 1:50 in all study sites. Leptospira is present in fresh and saltwater individuals due to the resistance of the bacterium in both environments. Cases of infected people involved with crocodile handling and egg collection suggest that these reptiles could play an important role in the transmission of leptospirosis. Preventive medicine programs should consider the monitoring of reptiles, and testing the soil and water, to prevent outbreaks of leptospirosis in facilities containing crocodiles.
Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Chetumal, Avenida Centenario Km 5.5, C.P. 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico. johnspf77@yahoo.com.mx.
Jonathan
http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8552-4353
J
Pérez-Flores
Centro del Cambio Global y la Sustentabilidad en el Sureste, A.C., Calle Centenario del Instituto Juárez s/n, Col. Reforma, C.P. 86080, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.
Pierre
P
Charruau
Departamento de Sistemática y Ecología Acuática, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Chetumal, Avenida Centenario Km 5.5, C.P. 77014, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Rogelio
R
Cedeño-Vázquez
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510, Mexico.
Daniel
D
Atilano
D000372:Agglutination Tests; D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000382:microbiology*; D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood; D004199:Disease Vectors; D006801:Humans; D007919:Leptospira; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000635:transmission* / Q000662:veterinary*; D008800:Mexico; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000635:transmission
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial
Crocodylus acutus; Crocodylus moreletii; Leptospire; Mexican Caribbean; Reptiles; Zoonosis