Serological diagnosis of leptospirosis in camel population of Jiroft city by microagglutination method

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a global distribution. A wide range of mammalian species, including camels, are susceptible to this disease. The most important adverse effects of this disease are a marked reduction in production, abortion, and  renal impairment. Given the climatic conditions of Jiroft city, located in the south of Kerman, and the considerable breeding of camels in the region, it is imperative to evaluate the prevalence, of leptospirosis in camels in this region. Accordingly, this study was conducted to diagnose leptospirosis serum in the camel population of South Kerman through the use of a microagglutination test. To this  end, one hundred blood samples were collected from the jugular veins of apparently healthy camels in Jiroft City. Following the isolation of serum, a microagglutination test was conducted using five common serovars of Leptospira interrogans. . The presence of antibodies against at least one serovar of Leptospira interrogans was detected in five serum samples out of one hundred samples (five percent) at a dilution of one to one hundred or more using a microagglutination test.. One sample was positive  for Leptospira grippotyphosa, two samples  for Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagiae, and two samples for Leptospira hardjo. No positive samples were identified against Leptospira canicola or Leptospira Pomona.  The results of this study indicate the presence of the Leptospira bacterium is present in the apparently healthy camel population in South Kerman. In light of the rising consumption of camel meat and dairy products by humans, as well as the resulting economic losses in the country's livestock industry, this issue merits attention from veterinary organizations and the Ministry of Health.