Molecular detection of leptospira spp. In bovine kidney In Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that has zoonotic potential, affecting both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to detect the Leptospira spp. and determine the predominant species related in the bovine kidney samples collected from selected wet markets in Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Furthermore, to investigate the pathological alterations of bovine kidneys related to the disease. A total of 50 bovine kidney samples were collected from four wet markets across Kota Bharu area and the samples were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. From the results, five samples (10%) were found to be positive for 16S rRNA gene, while one (2%) sample showed positive results for LipL32 gene. The further sequencing of the positive samples for both 16S rRNA and LipL32 gene were revealed as Leptospira borgpetersenii, which is known to be a pathogenic species in cattle. Furthermore, the bovine kidneys that gave positive PCR results showed relevant histopathological lesions of bovine leptospirosis, consisting of interstitial nephritis, glomerular atrophy and tubular necrosis. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the presence of pathogenic Leptospira spp. in bovine kidneys, which caused a series of histopathological changes and could pose zoonotic potential to the public.
Keywords: Cattle, Histopathology, Leptospirosis, LipL32, PCR, 16S rRNA