Banca de DEFESA: GUSTAVO DE OLIVEIRA ALVES PINTO

Uma banca de DEFESA de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : GUSTAVO DE OLIVEIRA ALVES PINTO
DATE: 24/02/2026
TIME: 08:00
LOCAL: Auditório da pós graduação do departamento de Medicina Veterinária
TITLE:

Occurrence of Leptospira spp. in the genital tract of mares with reproductive disorders in the state
of Pernambuco, Brazil

 

KEY WORDS:

Equine Genital Leptospirosis; Leptospira; Epidemiology; Reproductive Disorders; Horses

PAGES: 51
BIG AREA: Ciências Agrárias
AREA: Medicina Veterinária
SUBÁREA: Medicina Veterinária Preventiva
SPECIALTY: Doenças Infecciosas de Animais
SUMMARY:

Leptospirosis can directly affect the reproductive performance of mares subjected to embryo
transfer (ET). Although equine leptospirosis has been traditionally associated with abortions and
recurrent uveitis, its potential role in subclinical reproductive disturbances, particularly within
assisted reproductive systems such as ET, remains underexplored. Given the limited
epidemiological data on the circulation of Leptospira spp. among mares enrolled in ET programs
in Brazil, this study aimed to investigate the serological and molecular occurrence of Leptospira
spp. in mares with a history of reproductive disorders from 13 ET-dedicated stud farms located in
Pernambuco State, Northeastern Brazil. Serum and cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) samples were
collected from 68 non-vaccinated mares. Using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), 70.6%
(48/68; 95% CI: 58.9–80.1) of mares were seroreactive at titers ≥1:100. PCR targeting the lipL32
gene identified pathogenic Leptospira DNA in 45.6% (31/68; 95% CI: 33.8–57.9) of CVM
samples. Sequencing of a positive sample showed high nucleotide identity with Leptospira
interrogans. Overall, these findings indicate widespread exposure and active circulation of
Leptospira spp. in mares presenting reproductive disorders, highlighting the relevance of
molecular surveillance in herds involved in embryo transfer programs.

 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - RINALDO APARECIDO MOTA
Interno - GUSTAVO FERRER CARNEIRO
Externa ao Programa - 1364514 - ANDREA ALICE DA FONSECA OLIVEIRA - UFRPE