Molecular Study of the Prevalence of Leptospira spp. Serovar Hardjo in Blood Samples of Iranian Cattle and Sheep

Leptospira is an emerging global public health problem which involves both animals and human. The aim of this study was to appraise the presence of Leptospira DNA in blood samples from cattle and sheep via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method in Chaharmahal VaBakhtiari and Isfahan provinces of Iran. One hundred and ninety five samples (92 blood samples of cattle and 103 blood samples of sheep) were collected randomly from clinical healthy animals. DNA was extracted from the blood samples and stored at -20 degrees C before examination. PCR reaction was performed for detection of Leptospira DNA using specific primers for 16s rRNA gene and PCR products were visualized in a 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Results showed that 18.63% of the blood samples were positive. Leptospiral DNA was found in 20 of 92 (21.73%) and 16 of 103 (15.53%) of cattle and sheep blood samples, respectively. Nine (9.78%) out of the 92 cattle sampled and 5 (4.85%) out of the 103 sheep sampled were positive for Leptospira spp. serovar Hardjo. This indicated that these cows and sheep's are reservoirs and dangerous for human health. Moreover, the PCR method is sensitive and specific for diagnosis of Leptospira in suspected cases.