A study conducted in Hong Kong by Theethawat Uea-Anuwong, PhD student from City University of Hong Kong and member of the Centre for Applied One Health Research and Policy Advice alongside other researchers, identified a 2.8% prevalence of pathogenic Leptospira among 250 peridomestic rats. Four rat species were analyzed, revealing Leptospira interrogans and L. borgpetersenii only in R. norvegicus. Notably, a novel strain of L. interrogans belonging to a new species group was found. The positive rats were mostly captured in densely populated areas like Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City, including grocery and food stores.
This research highlights the role of rats as reservoirs for pathogenic Leptospira, indicating potential health risks for humans and animals from leptospirosis. It suggests the need for a One Health approach, advocating for ongoing surveillance of Leptospira in rats and implementing measures for population control and improved environmental hygiene to mitigate transmission risks.
Link of the publication:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352771425001946?via%3Dihub