Molecular Characterization ofLeptospiraspp. in Environmental Samples from North-Eastern Malaysia Revealed a Pathogenic Strain,Leptospira alstonii

Abstract

The presence of pathogenicLeptospiraspp. in the environment poses threats to human health. The aim of this study was to detect and characterizeLeptospiraspp. from environmental samples. A total of 144 samples comprised of 72 soil and 72 water samples were collected from markets and recreational areas in a north-eastern state in Malaysia. Samples were cultured on Ellinghausen and McCullough modified by Johnson and Harris media. Leptospires were positive in 22.9% (n=33) of the isolates. Based on partial sequences of 16S rRNA, a pathogenic leptospire,Leptospira alstonii(n=1/33), was identified in 3% of the isolates followed by intermediate leptospire (L. wolffii,n=1/33, andL. licerasiae,n=7/33) and nonpathogenic leptospire,L. meyeri(n=22/33) in 24.2% and 66.7%, respectively. This study demonstrates the presence of a clinically significant pathogenicL. alstoniiin the environments which could pose health risks to the occupants and visitors.