The distribution of lagomorph syphilis caused by Treponema paraluisleporidarum in Europe

Abstract Treponema paraluisleporidarum infects both rabbits (ecovar Cuniculus) and hares Lepus). While the occurrence of bacterium has previously been reported for European brown ( Lepus europaeus ) domestic Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domestica ), there are no data available that report infection in context. We tested a total 1,995 serum samples 287 genital swabs from opportunistically sampled ; n = 2135), Mountain timidus 4), 138), pet O. 5). The originated eight countries. In case only was available, we presence anti-treponemal antibodies. For this, utilized pallidum -particle agglutination test (TP-PA), which is suited use lagomorphs due to antigenic cross-reactivity anti- T. antibodies . addition, results 380 sera were confirmed using fluorescent- antibody absorption (FTA-ABS). all cases where swab DNA extracted quantitative PCR lagomorph syphilis-bacterium. able detect 825 (41.4%; hare: 825/1,868; rabbit: 0/127) obtained positive qPCR 182 (63.4%; 167/267; mountain 4/4; 11/16). rabbit 127) negative antibodies, wild 8/11) three 3/5) Germany qPCR.