Co-Infection by Leptospira montravelensis and Leptospira interrogans Serovar Pomona in Urine Samples of Donkeys and Pigs in Sardinia, Italy

Saprophytic leptospires are spirochetes enclosed within the non-pathogenic clade of genus Leptospira, which in turn is subdivided into two subclades S1 and S2. To date, microorganisms included these have been isolated from environment various parts world, believed to no known animal reservoirs. After a case Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona was notified owner farm Sardinia, all animals (11 pigs 3 donkeys) were examined for presence Leptospira. Sera tested resulted positive antibodies using microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Moreover, nine (82%) kidney samples three urine collected donkeys (100%) DNA after qPCR. Results obtained MLST analysis sequencing rrs, rpoB, secY genes, performed on six strains culture, revealed genomospecies L. samples. Conversely, whole-genome combined with mean nucleotide identity saprophytic montravelensis Our results report, first time, isolation species mammalian urine, suggesting new ecological specialization bacteria, possible transition free-living symbiotic lifestyle. Further studies will be conducted understand evolution virulence potential infectivity, public health implications.