Molecular detection of Leptospira spp. in small wild rodents from rural areas of São Paulo State, Brazil

BACKGROUNDLeptospirosis represents a One Health issue, affecting humans and animals. This study investigated pathogenic leptospires in small wild rodents in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODSKidney samples from 164 rodents underwent qPCR testing, targeting pathogenic Leptospira spp. RESULTSThirty-five animals (21.34%) tested positive, including five rodent species: Akodon montensis (2/21; 9.5%), Necromys lasiurus (1/4; 25%), Oligoryzomys nigripes (24/92; 26.1%), Oligoryzomys flavescens (5/26; 19.2%), and Sooretamys angouya (3/14; 21.4%). Botucatu municipality exhibited the highest prevalence, with 42.5% (20/47) of the animals testing positive. CONCLUSIONSThe presence of Leptospira spp. in wild rodents suggests they may be chronic carriers, contaminating the environment.