Molecular Detection and Risk Factors of Leptospirosis Among Goats in Kelantan, Malaysia

This study investigates the molecular detection and risk factors of leptospirosis in goats in Kelantan, Malaysia. This study focuses on its zoonotic implications, economic impact on the livestock industry and the need for effective prevention strategies. Leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp. It is a significant zoonotic disease that affects not just animals but humans as well. In livestock animals it can lead to productivity losses, abortions and even mortality. Despite its importance, limited research has been conducted on leptospirosis in goats in Malaysia, leaving gaps in understanding its epidemiology. A total of forty (n=40) blood samples from goats from 2 selected farms in Kelantan were analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Leptospira-specific genes. The study also tried to assess potential risk factors such as age, sex, herd size and biosecurity practices. Findings of PCR analysis yielded zero detection rate. This could be due to factors such as small sample size, diagnostic sensitivity or the fact that all recruited animals were healthy and had no clinical signs related to leptospirosis. The findings also highlight the need for more extensive studies by using multiple diagnostic tools with multiple samples such as urine and tissue samples.
Keywords: Leptospirosis, goats, PCR, zoonotic, Malaysia