Molecular Detection of Leptospira spp. Isolated from Aborted Ovine Genital Swabs in Lorestan, Iran, 2019-2020

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by the genus Leptospira. This disease is observed in human, domestic and wild mammals. Abortion is known as the most important side effect of Leptospira in infected sheep. Molecular tests such as PCR is considered for the early detection of disease which cannot trigger production of species-specific antibodies. This study was designed to detect Leptospira spp. as a cause of abortion in sheep using PCR in Lorestan province, Iran. Materials and Methods: In the current study a total of 150 samples of vaginal swabs were randomly collected from a sheep that had an abortion in some areas of Lorestan province, Iran. The collected samples were accurately investigated to trace DNA of Leptosoira spp. using specific primers. Results Conclusion: Based on results of Leptosoira spp. lipL32 gene, 2 positive samples (1.3%) were identified. Hence, it was concluded that there is nosignification relation between abortion rate and Leptospirosis in Lorestan province, Iran. It must be mentioned that due to the zoonotic nature of this bacterium, rapid diagnosis of this disease in livestock can extremely decrease outbreak of this disease in humans.