Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Serological surveys are important to assess the health status of wild animals. In this study, antibodies against Leptospira spp, causal agents of leptospirosis, were detected in free-living marsupials in the State of Pará, Brazil.
METHODS:
Nineteen blood samples collected from marsupials in the municipalities of Peixe-Boi, Viseu, and Castanhal were subjected to microscopic agglutination tests.
RESULTS:
In total, 36.8% (7/19) of samples were positive, and two exhibited co-agglutination. The most frequent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae (60%; 3/5), Panama (20%; 1/5), and Nupezo (20%; 1/5).
CONCLUSIONS:
Anti-Leptospira spp antibodies currently circulate in free-living marsupials in Northeastern Pará.
Keywords:
Didelphidae; Wild animals; Microscopic agglutination test