Leptospira spp in Rodents from Peridomestic Sites in Endemic Regions of Nicaragua

Leptospirosis is one of the most important zoonoses in tropical countries, including Nicaragua, where it is considered endemic. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of Leptospira spp in rodents captured from peridomestic sites in leptospirosis endemic regions of Nicaragua. Using live traps, 191 rodents were captured in 2012 and 2013 between April and December. Kidney samples were collected and processed for Leptospira detection from 166 animals by direct culture and isolation. The isolates were tested by PCR for LipL32 and lfb1-F genes specific to pathogenic Leptospira species. The trapping success over all sites was 20.2%, with higher rates of success in rainy season (p < 0.05). Leptospira spp were detected in 22.3% of rodents by direct culture methods. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found in the frequencies of Leptospira positive rodents per month as well as per region. Of the isolated Leptospira spp, 37.5% were positive for pathogenic species by PCR. The frequency of Leptospira positive rodents by isolation could be used as a predictive indicator for the risk of human leptospirosis in Nicaragua.