Seroprofile of leptospiral antibodies and a simple tube-elisa for serological evaluation of antibodies to leptospira in dogs

Abstract

Introduction: leptospirosis is a contagious disease affecting both humans and domestic animals posing a significant global public health  threat. This study examined leptospirosis vaccination adherence, and sero-profile of leptospiral antibodies in dogs using a novel  tube-ELISA method to overcome existing diagnostic limitations.

Methods: blood samples from 134 dogs in Southwest Nigeria were  collected, and their vaccination status, breed, sex, and age were documented. A plate ELISA served as a reference method, while a tube- ELISA was developed for individual samples and compared to the plateELISA. Data analysis utilized chi-square and Fisher exact tests.  

Results: the study revealed a 77.6% adherence to leptospirosis vaccination among sampled dogs, varying among breeds. Notably, 41.8%  of dogs had detectable leptospiral antibodies, and 40% of unvaccinated dogs were seropositive, underscoring their role as potential pathogen carriers. Post-vaccination seropositivity rates varied over time intervals without significant differences. The tube-ELISA  exhibited 83.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity compared to the plate-ELISA, suggesting its diagnostic potential.

Conclusion: this study  underscores the challenges in controlling leptospirosis, including low vaccination adherence and limited seroconversion rates among  vaccinates. The tube-ELISA offers a cost-effective method for individual dog seromonitoring, mitigating existing diagnostic constraints.