Detection of pathogenic, saprophytic and intermediate leptospira in rats at selected area in Kota Samarahan and Kuching Sarawak

Amira Shafiza, Shahimi (2015) Detection of pathogenic, saprophytic and intermediate leptospira in rats at selected area in Kota Samarahan and Kuching Sarawak. [Final Year Project Report] (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Rats are widely known as the maintenance host of Leptospira. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira. Leptospira is a global zoonosis which remains a public health concern particularly in tropical and subtropical region. The objectives of this study was to detect and isolate pathogenic, saprophytic and intermediate Leptospira in selected areas in Kota Samarahan and Kuching (Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method and to determine the role of rats as the carrier of Leptospira. Sixty one rats were captured from different location including Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, urban area and countryside. Two cultures (3.3%) were positive for Leptospira by using PCR. One culture was positive with pathogenic Leplospira (25%) and another one was positive with intermediate Leptospira (8.3%). lipL32 gene encodes for pathogenic Leptospira while 16rRNA gene encodes for intermediate Leptospira. Detection of pathogenic and intermediate Leptospira from rats identifies them as Leptospira carrier which is the main infection source to humans and other animals. Even though low infection rate recorded, it is important to understand the source and transmission mode of Leptospira particularly rodent transmission for public safety.

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