Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1 Indian Council of Agricultural Research -National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI), Karnataka, India.
2 Quarry Lane School, Dublin, United States.
3 3. Lambert High School, Suwanee, United States.
4 Indian Council of Agricultural Research -National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (ICAR-NIVEDI), Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
5 Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysuru 570015, Karnataka, India.
6 Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Karnataka, India.
Abstract
Keywords
Main Subjects
1.Context
Leptospirosis, a rapidly re-emerging zoonotic disease, has gained global significance due to its extensive impact on public health and animal productivity. This neglected disease, caused by pathogenic Leptospira spp., is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in both humans and animals [1]. Bovine leptospirosis, in particular, imposes substantial economic losses through reproductive failures, reduced milk yield, abortions, and calf mortality [2]. Livestock farming, especially in endemic regions, not only exacerbates disease transmission but also increases occupational hazards for animal handlers. Bovines, acting as carriers of pathogenic Leptospira, excrete large quantities of bacteria in their urine, perpetuating environmental contamination and transmission to other animals and humans [2]. Clinical outcomes in cattle range from subclinical infections with serogroup Sejroe to acute presentations with serogroup Pomona, which causes high fever, jaundice, hemoglobinuria, and death [2]. Studies from India have reported leptospirosis prevalence in coastal states such as Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Andaman Islands, with varied serogroups dominating across regions and timeframes [3-5].
Despite its significance, bovine leptospirosis remains under-researched in several aspects. Although seroprevalence studies exist, they are geographically limited, and uniform data across India remain unavailable. Molecular studies have identified circulating serovars, but data on genomic diversity, environmental persistence, and transmission dynamics remain limited [6, 7]. Buffaloes are underrepresented, and longitudinal studies assessing risk factors and seasonal trends are lacking, hindering effective control strategies [3, 4]. Diagnostic challenges further complicate disease control. Although the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the gold standard, it is underutilized due to infrastructure limitations. Previous studies also reveal conflicting findings regarding risk factors and predominant serogroups, highlighting the need for updated and standardized data. For instance, the shift in predominant serogroups underscores dynamic transmission patterns influenced by environmental and host factors [8-10]. These gaps necessitate a systematic, evidence-based approach to consolidating existing knowledge.
A meta-analysis addressing bovine leptospirosis is crucial for filling existing knowledge gaps and providing a comprehensive overview of its prevalence, risk factors, and serogroup distribution. By integrating data from diverse studies, it can offer robust estimates of disease burden, identify regional patterns, and clarify conflicting results. This approach also highlights diagnostic and epidemiological trends, paving the way for improved surveillance and control strategies. Given the economic and zoonotic implications of leptospirosis, such insights are invaluable for policymakers, veterinarians, and public health professionals [11]. This meta-analysis aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of leptospirosis in bovines in India, identify predominant serogroups and their regional distribution over time, and evaluate diagnostic approaches used in prevalence studies. The findings are expected to inform public health and veterinary policy by providing evidence-based prevalence data that can guide the design of region-specific vaccination strategies, the development of comprehensive diagnostic panels reflecting circulating serovars, and the prioritization of resource allocation for surveillance programs [2]. Furthermore, by identifying gaps in diagnostic sensitivity and study heterogeneity, this study supports the need for upgrading diagnostic infrastructure, particularly through the inclusion of molecular methods and intermediate serogroups in diagnostic assays.
2. Data acquisition
2.1. Meta-analysis, literature search strategy
The systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) standards established by the Cochrane collaboration [12]. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather relevant data on leptospirosis prevalence in India. Published studies were retrieved from multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed, with additional publications sourced through manual cross-referencing. A systematic search (January 2001–December 2021) identified 1,347 articles using predefined keyword combinations [(prevalence OR incidence OR frequency OR detection OR occurrence) AND (leptospira OR leptospirosis) AND (bovine OR cattle OR buffalo) AND India]. Rayyan QCRI was used for systematic reviews, with two researchers independently conducting blind screenings and resolving conflicts. References were managed using EndNote software, version 20.0, and QGIS software, version 3.22.1 was utilized to map bovine leptospirosis distribution across states and regions.
2.2. Study selection and data collection
A systematic search (January 2001–December 2021) identified 1,347 articles using predefined keyword combinations, as recommended to improve clarity and precision. The systematic review process is summarized in Figure 1.
Of the 1,347 records identified, 1,199 were excluded as duplicates or irrelevant. Studies were selected based on predefined PRISMA-aligned criteria: (i) original research on bovine leptospirosis in India (2001–2021), (ii) use of serological diagnostics (MAT or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]), and (iii) availability of data on sample size, number of positives, species (cattle and/or buffalo), and location. Exclusion criteria included non-relevant topics, non-bovine or non-Indian studies, reviews, experimental trials, non-English articles, and missing essential data. After title and abstract screening, 96 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. Thirty-four studies were excluded due to missing key information (e.g. sample size, diagnostic method, or species), and 14 were excluded after quality assessment due to inter-rater disagreement or outbreak-only data. Additionally, three relevant studies were included from the authors’ personal database. Of the 51 studies eligible for synthesis, five were excluded during subgroup analysis due to high heterogeneity and methodological inconsistencies, resulting in a final total of 46 studies included in the meta-analysis. Extracted variables included authors, year, region, host species, sample size, number of positives, and diagnostic method.
2.3. Quality assessment
Quality control was independently performed by two researchers using a 7-item Likert scale [1–5] to assess the quality of each article, with higher scores indicating more reliable studies. The ratings were used to calculate the Aiken validity coefficient [13]. Meta-analysis was conducted with R (version 3.2.5) using the meta package [14]. Forest plots were used to graphically represent effect sizes, employing fixed-effect or random-effect models based on heterogeneity (I²). The random-effect model was applied when significant heterogeneity was observed, calculated using Cochran’s Q statistic, Ʈ², H-value, and P-values [13].
Meta-regression analysis examined estimates and study variation through weighted linear regression, where effect size was regressed onto moderators like geographic region, years, species, and sample size [13, 15]. Subgroup analyses were performed for variables with P<0.05 in univariate meta-regression, retaining only those significant at P≤0.05 in the final model. This approach improved analytical power and minimized false-positive results. Sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of results and identified articles influencing heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots with arcsine-transformed proportions and standard errors [15].
3. Results
3.1. Studies and quality of bias assessment
Out of the total of 1,347 studies, sixty studies were subjected to full-text reviews and further scrutiny for bias assessment based on inter-rater consensus and agreement calculated using Aiken’s V-value index as described by SowjanyaKumari et al. (2021) [16]. Overall, forty-six publications were ultimately chosen for meta-analysis, with the details presented in the PRISMA flow chart (Figure 1). The prevalence of leptospirosis was calculated using a total sample size of 1,8354, out of which cattle alone contributed to 16,202 cases, followed by buffalo with 2,152. Further, for visual inspection of publication bias, a funnel plot-based technique was employed by plotting the arcsine transformation proportion on the X-axis, and standard error on the Y-axis, creating a funnel plot and interpreting it as described by SowjanyaKumari et al. (2021) [16]. The figure illustrates that the asymmetry observed suggests possible publication bias and substantial heterogeneity among the included studies (Figure 2).
3.2. Meta-regression
Meta-regression was performed using a univariate approach to identify factors influencing the magnitude and direction of heterogeneity. The results (Table 1) indicated that detection methods and study regions significantly affected overall heterogeneity at the 5% significance level.
These findings highlighted the need for subgroup and sensitivity analyses to refine the prevalence estimates of bovine leptospirosis. Subgroup analysis was conducted for covariates such as detection methods, sample size, study region, and animal groups to account for their impact on heterogeneity (Table 2).
The forest plot (Figure 3) illustrates pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) across subgroups, showing substantial heterogeneity (I²>98%), with variation based on species, region, and diagnostic method.
3.3. Prevalence estimates
The overall pooled prevalence of bovine leptospirosis was estimated at 29% (95% CI, 24%, 35%) using a random-effects meta-analysis. The analysis showed significant heterogeneity, with I²=98%, Ʈ²=0.0664, and P<0.01 (Table 2). Subgroup analysis revealed a 33% prevalence for MAT (95% CI, 27%, 39%, I²=98%, Ʈ²=0.0613) and 6% for ELISA (95% CI, 4%, 10%, I²=86%, Ʈ²=0.0056). Regional analysis showed the highest prevalence in the Central (62%, 95% CI, 22%, 94%), Southern (36%, 95% CI, 27%, 46%), followed by the Southern (36%, 95% CI, 27%, 46%), North Eastern (34%, 95% CI, 1%, 85%), Eastern (24%, 95% CI, 9%, 42%), Western (23%, 95% CI, 17%, 30%), and Northern regions (5%, 95% CI, 2%, 9%). Species-wise prevalence was 29% in cattle (95% CI, 23%, 35%) and 32% in buffaloes (95% CI, 20%, 46%).
The studies were categorized into two periods, 2001–2010 and 2011–2021. Despite 60 studies qualifying for review, inter-rater disagreement led to 46 studies being included in the meta-analysis (Table 3).
Earlier research by Zaki et al. [17] reported a 24.9% pooled prevalence in Southeast Asian livestock, lower than the present estimates of 29% in cattle and 32% in buffalo. The discrepancy may reflect differences in sample sizes, diagnostic methods used (e.g. MAT and ELISA), and regional variations in study design and coverage. As India’s livestock census data (2019) indicates a stable cattle-to-buffalo ratio of 1:1.9, buffalo sample sizes (n=2,152) were significantly lower than cattle (n=16,202), possibly due to fewer studies on buffalo and underreporting of outbreaks. Over the past two decades, a noticeable increase in bovine leptospirosis reports was observed, with a pooled prevalence of 27% (10 studies) in 2001–2010 and 30% (30 studies) in 2011–2021. This increase highlights the growing recognition of leptospirosis as a significant veterinary and public health issue.
In India, bovine leptospirosis has been reported across 23 states, with the highest prevalence in coastal and endemic regions such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Andaman Islands. Sample sizes, serovar panels, and diagnostic criteria varied significantly among studies. MAT, with higher sensitivity, showed a pooled prevalence of 33%, compared to 6% for ELISA, which primarily targeted the Sejroe serogroup and had limited sensitivity. To improve diagnostic accuracy, the use of ELISA kits with broader serogroup coverage is recommended. Additionally, integrating molecular tools such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)—especially for detecting carrier animals—can enhance surveillance and detection strategies. Seroprevalence data indicate the circulation of ~20 serogroups, including Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Hebdomadis, Pomona, Autumnalis, Canicola, Hurstbridge, Javanica, Tarassovi, and others. A temporal shift in dominant serogroups was observed in frequently monitored states. Notably, previously underreported states such as Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh showed higher prevalence in recent studies, suggesting possible disease spread.
3.4. Region-wise prevalence estimates
For the meta-analysis, regional subgrouping was done for Southern, Western, Eastern, Northern, Central, and North-Eastern regions. Studies with state/UT-specific data that were excluded due to publication bias were analyzed separately to estimate state-wise bovine leptospirosis prevalence. The pooled prevalence and cumulative reactive serogroup patterns are shown in Figures 4A and 4B.
The high prevalence observed in coastal states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and the Andaman Islands can be attributed to specific environmental factors that favor the survival and transmission of Leptospira spp. These include high annual rainfall, recurrent flooding, warm and humid climatic conditions, and water stagnation, all of which support the environmental persistence of leptospires. Additionally, poor drainage, close proximity between livestock and contaminated water sources, and high rodent population densities in these regions further enhance the risk of transmission to animals and humans [10].
3.4.1. Southern region
The southern region had the highest number of reports [25], covering seven states/UTs, six with a large coastal area except Telangana. All the states/UTs in the southern region are endemic to leptospirosis, with reports from both humans and animals. In the present study, an estimated pooled prevalence of 36% (95% CI, 27%, 46%) was observed for bovine leptospirosis in the southern region.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N): The A&N Islands, a union territory of India, are a highly endemic region for leptospirosis. Early cases resembling Weil’s disease were reported in the 1880s and later confirmed as leptospirosis in the 1930s [63]. Leptospirosis re-emerged in the 1980s, with follow-up seroepidemiological studies confirming its endemicity in humans and animals [5, 57]. The A&N Islands are a well-studied region for leptospirosis, noted for implementing a One Health program for its control and prevention [10], which has successfully reduced human leptospirosis cases [5, 10]. However, studies in livestock over the last two decades show varying seroprevalence trends [10]. In the present analysis, the A&N Islands showed an estimated pooled prevalence of 29% (95% CI, 11%, 51%) [5, 19, 21, 37, 43, 57]. Most studies focused on cattle, as buffalo are scarce in these islands (20th livestock census). Overall seropositivity in cattle declined from 34.4% during 2003–2005 to 11.6% during 2013–2014, with predominant serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae, Sejroe, and Pomona. A shift in predominant serogroups was noted from Grippotyphosa to Icterohemorrhagiae [5]. Moreover, studies conducted after that also showed an increased prevalence in 2014-2015, with Autumnalis and Sejroe as the predominant serogroups [43], whereas during 2015-2016, the predominant serogroups were Hebdomadis, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Australis [57]. The high endemicity in the A&N Islands is attributed to the presence of susceptible hosts (carriers, reservoirs, and accidental hosts), and favorable geographical and climatic conditions. A recent study in these islands reported serogroups Tarassovi and Djasiman (pathogenic) and Hurstbridge (intermediate), which had not been previously documented [9].
Andhra Pradesh: Andhra Pradesh, a coastal state along the Bay of Bengal, is highly endemic and enzootic for leptospirosis, with increasing reports over the past two decades. The present meta-analysis revealed a higher prevalence of 53% (95% CI, 25%, 80%) in Andhra Pradesh [3, 24, 41, 48, 58]. Chronologically, [39] reported 50.21% prevalence in cattle and 68.64% in buffalo, with Hebdomadis, Pomona, Ballum, and Sejroe as predominant serogroups. Subsequent studies showed variable prevalence, including 19.65% in 2013 [32] and 4% by ELISA in 2015, but 70% by MAT with serogroups Javanica, Panama, and Hebdomadis [3, 48]. A 2016–2017 study reported 68.08% prevalence in Prakasam, Kurnool, and other districts, with predominant serogroups Hebdomadis, Pomona, Sejroe, and Tarassovi [58]. Telangana, an understudied endemic neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh, along with Karnataka and Maharashtra, had a pooled prevalence of 17% (95% CI, 03%, 76%) [3, 31, 47, 48]. A recent study conducted in Telangana at the animal level and farm level found seroprevalence of more than 40 and 70%, respectively, indicating an increased threat to other livestock and public health, and highlighting the need for appropriate control measures [64].
Karnataka: Karnataka, located in southwest peninsular India, has two coastal districts along the Arabian Sea. While reports on human leptospirosis are available, data on bovine leptospirosis in the state are limited. Between 2001 and 2021, only three studies reported an estimated prevalence of 18% (95% CI, 01%, 47%) based on a small sample size using the Linnodee ELISA Hardjo kit and MAT [3, 4, 20, 48]. Systematic serosurveillance is required to accurately estimate bovine leptospirosis prevalence. In a separate study, serum samples from 582 animals with reproductive disorders (314 cattle and 268 buffalo) across Bengaluru, Belgaum, Gulbarga, and Mysuru divisions showed an overall seroprevalence of 28% (29% in buffalo and 27% in cattle). Higher seropositivity was observed in Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belgaum compared to Gulbarga, likely due to greater risk factors in these divisions. Antibodies against six serogroups were identified, with Sejroe (34.35%), Pomona (16.56%), and Canicola (11.66%) being predominant, followed by Icterohaemorrhagiae (10.43%), Hebdomadis (9.81%), and Autumnalis (6.74%). Among the 163 MAT-positive samples, 62.58% had a history of abortion, 28.22% showed repeat breeding, and 9.2% exhibited other clinical signs.
Kerala: An estimated pooled prevalence of 22% (95% CI, 04%, 49%) was observed in Kerala, a highly endemic region for leptospirosis in southern India, affecting humans and animals with high morbidity and mortality rates [40, 48, 55]. Animal studies are limited compared to human data. In 2014, Soman et al. reported a seroprevalence of 47% using the ELISA kit. Conversely, in 2015, Balamurugan et al. observed a lower prevalence of 19.25%, with Sejroe, Autumnalis, Tarassovi, and Icterohaemorrhagiae as predominant serogroups. In Thrissur district (2013–2014), a 6.38% prevalence was reported using rLipL32-based ELISA [55].
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry: Leptospirosis poses a significant challenge to dairy farms in Tamil Nadu, causing abortions, stillbirths, and infertility, with frequent outbreaks. The estimated pooled prevalence in Tamil Nadu was 43% (95% CI, 25%, 62%) [7, 48, 62]. In 2010, MAT reported 44.7% seropositivity while evaluating rLipL41-based ELISA and LAT [35]. In 2011, Tiruchirappalli farms reported a prevalence of 87.18% with Javanica, Autumnalis, and Sejroe as predominant serogroups [7]. Studies also found 50% seropositivity by ELISA and 66.10% by MAT, with Sejroe, Hurstbridge, and Shermani as dominant serogroups [48]. Puducherry reported a prevalence of 25% (95% CI, 20%, 31%) with Sejroe, Grippotyphosa, and Pomona as major serogroups [54].
3.4.2. Western region
Western region: The western region, comprising two states/UTs, had 13 reports with an estimated pooled prevalence of 23% (95% CI, 17%, 30%). Predominant serogroups included Sejroe, Hebdomadis, Tarassovi, Australis, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona, Javanica, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, and others.
Maharashtra: In the western region, Maharashtra exhibited a high prevalence of 62% (95% CI, 34%, 86%) [20, 48, 59]. The state has reported significant human mortality due to leptospirosis in the past decade. In 2015, a study in the Konkan region reported a seroprevalence of 69.44%, with Australis, Sejroe, Hebdomadis, Autumnalis, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Tarassovi (including the Kaup variant) as predominant serogroups [47]. Another study reported a 30.3% prevalence in an organized dairy farm using an ELISA kit [4]. Additionally, a 39.3% seropositivity rate was observed with serogroups Hurstbridge, Tarassovi (including the Kaup variant), Sejroe, and Tarassovi [48]. Furthermore, cattle associated with reproductive disorders exhibited 62.5% seropositivity, with Icterohaemorrhagiae, Tarassovi, and Panama as predominant serogroups [3].
Gujarat: Located in the western region, Gujarat is highly endemic for leptospirosis, particularly in Surat and Navsari districts. Similar to the A & N Islands, Gujarat has adopted a one health approach over the past decade, significantly reducing human leptospirosis mortality through rodent control measures [65]. However, bovine leptospirosis remains a critical issue. An estimated pooled prevalence of 21% (95% CI, 14%, 28%) was observed in bovines based on multiple studies [8, 48, 52]. Srivastava and Kumar. (2003) [20] reported a 28.6% seroprevalence using MAT in cattle with reproductive disorders during 1990–2003. In 2011, a seroprevalence of 38.55% was reported among cattle and buffaloes in organized farms, with Sejroe, Hebdomadis, and Ballum as predominant serogroups [29]. A study in endemic districts (Navsari, Surat, Tapi, and Valsad) found a 12.81% prevalence, with Pomona, Sejroe, and Icterohaemorrhagiae as major serogroups [36]. Further, a 13.51% prevalence of Sejroe was reported using a Bovine Hardjo ELISA kit and 23.7% using MAT, with reactive serogroups including Sejroe, Tarassovi (including the Kaup variant), and Pomona [4, 48]. Patel et al. [52] found a 5.77% seroprevalence using ELISA in clinically ailing and healthy cattle, while Balamurugan et al. [3]reported a 62.5% prevalence in healthy cattle with reproductive histories, identifying serogroups Pyrogenes, Javanica, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and others.
3.4.3. Eastern region
The Eastern region included eight reports from four states/UTs, with an estimated pooled prevalence of 24% (95% CI, 6%, 42%). Predominant serogroups in the region were Icterohaemorrhagiae, Sejroe, Hebdomadis, Tarassovi, Australis, Grippotyphosa, Autumnalis, Pomona, Pyrogenes, Javanica, Djasiman, Bataviae, Canicola, Panama, Shermani, and Hurstbridge. The state-wise findings are summarized below:
Odisha: A known endemic state, Odisha frequently experiences leptospirosis outbreaks in humans and animals following cyclones and floods. Over the last two decades, an estimated pooled prevalence of 39% (95% CI, 35%, 44%) was observed [33, 66]. Between 2011 and 2014, prevalence was reported at 38%, with predominant serogroups Australis, Autumnalis, Canicola, Sejroe, Hebdomadis, and Icterohaemorrhagiae. In 2013, seroprevalence reached 42.5%, primarily against Australis and Sejroe serogroups [33]. Behera et al. [38] reported a 55.5% prevalence, with predominant antibodies against Icterohaemorrhagiae, Hebdomadis, Grippotyphosa, and Sejroe.
Bihar: Two studies estimated a pooled prevalence of 7% (95% CI, 3%, 12%) using the Hardjo ELISA test [42, 61]. West Bengal: The estimated pooled prevalence was 15% (95% CI, 0%, 85%) with predominant serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, and Sejroe [20, 38]. Jharkhand: Under-reported with limited data, Jharkhand showed an estimated pooled prevalence of 33% (95% CI, 1%, 72%) with predominant reactive serogroups Hebdomadis, Pyrogenes, Tarassovi, Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Djasiman [3, 48].
3.4.4. Northern region
There are very few studies in the Northern region of India, with an estimated pooled prevalence of 5% (95% CI, 1%, -09%) in bovines. The overall seroreactivity included Ballum, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Autumnalis, Australis, Bataviae, Grippotyphosa, Sejroe, Javanica, Hebdomadis, and Pyrogenes. The state-wise analysis showed Haryana with a prevalence of 15% (95% CI, 0%, 72%) [20] and Uttar Pradesh with 5% (95% CI, 0%, 10%), with reactivity to the Sejroe, Hebdomadis, Autumnalis, Australis, and Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup [20, 34]. Other states with very low sample sizes are estimated to have 49% seropositivity in Himachal Pradesh [3, 20] and 29% in Punjab [3, 48]. The serogroup predominance in these states were Hurstbridge, Panama, Sejroe, Hebdomadis in Haryana; Bataviae, Shermani, Pyrogenes, Canicola in Himachal Pradesh; Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Hurstbridge, Shermani, Australis in Uttarakhand; and Australis, Autumnalis, Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Hurstbridge in Punjab [3].
3.4.5. Central region
The central region covered two states with only two reports, which showed the estimated pooled prevalence of 62% (95% CI, 22%, 94%), with the overall prevalence of Canicola, Australis, and Tarassovi. The prevalence for Chhattisgarh state was 51% (95% CI: 4%, 97%) [3], with the predominance of Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Hurstbridge, Shermani, Australis, Tarassovi (including the Kaup variant), and others, whereas for Madhya Pradesh, the estimated prevalence was 40% (95% CI, 12%, 74%) [20], with the predominance of Tarassovi, Canicola, and Australis.
3.4.6. North-eastern region
The North-Eastern region has been largely neglected in leptospirosis research, despite the disease being first reported in Assam in the 1940s, where eight cases of jaundice resulted in four deaths on a tea estate. Subsequent studies focused primarily on humans, with limited seroprevalence studies on animal hosts, including reservoir rodent populations [61, 62, 67]. Between 2001 and 2021, the region had three reports from three states/UTs, showing an estimated pooled prevalence of 34% (95% CI, −17, 85%) with predominant serogroups including Ballum, Autumnalis, Bataviae, Australis, Javanica, Pyrogenes, Sejroe, and Icterohaemorrhagiae. A study in Tripura reported no antibody prevalence in cattle [20]. Recent studies from 2018–2021 reported a pooled prevalence of 15% (95% CI, 25%, 38%) in Assam [61, 62] and 78% (95% CI, 67%, 86%) in Sikkim, though based on limited samples [3]. This study investigated the seroprevalence and serogroup distribution of leptospirosis in livestock across Assam, India, revealing an overall seroprevalence in cattle (26.2%) and buffalo (25%), with uncommon serogroups such as Mini, Manhao, and Cynopteri indicating potential transboundary transmission [68].
3.5. Limitations of the meta-analysis study
The current meta-analysis encountered several limitations that may influence its outcomes. Small sample sizes in many studies likely led to an overestimation of seropositivity rates, particularly in endemic areas. State-wise pooled prevalence was analyzed separately due to inconsistent demographic data (age, sex) and risk factor reporting. The high prevalence observed in the central (62%) and North-Eastern (34%) regions should be interpreted cautiously, as these estimates are based on a limited number of studies with small sample sizes. This may have led to overestimation, underscoring the need for larger, well-designed studies to better assess the true burden of leptospirosis in these areas. Significant heterogeneity across studies suggests unaccounted factors, such as environmental influences and management practices, that may be affecting prevalence estimates. These limitations highlight the need for large-scale studies with standardized methodologies to accurately assess bovine leptospirosis prevalence and risk factors.
4. Conclusion
Bovine leptospirosis in India remains underreported, with abortion cases in cattle and buffaloes often overlooked. This review reveals high seropositivity rates of 50–70% in bovines with reproductive disorders and 15–20% in healthy animals. Coastal and non-coastal states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and South Andaman are highly endemic due to favorable environmental conditions. Predominant serogroups include Sejroe, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Hebdomadis, Pomona, Autumnalis, Canicola, Hurstbridge, Javanica, and Tarassovi, with temporal shifts in monitored regions. Geographically tailored diagnostic panels are crucial for identifying diverse serogroups and addressing diagnostic gaps. Mitigation measures, including targeted vaccination and robust surveillance, are essential to reduce the disease burden. Regular seroepidemiological studies in endemic areas are critical for monitoring trends and guiding interventions. Detailed studies using opportunistic sampling in reservoir hosts and humans can aid early diagnosis and treatment. Key challenges include limited diagnostics, lack of nationwide surveys, and inconsistent sampling strategies. Expanding molecular techniques and incorporating Leptospira intermediate species serovars into MAT panels will enhance diagnostic accuracy. While MAT remains the standard for seroprevalence studies, its limited sensitivity in detecting carriers or early infections underscores the need for molecular tools. PCR-based diagnostics can enhance detection of leptospiral DNA in asymptomatic animals and should be integrated with serology to improve diagnostic accuracy and surveillance. Comprehensive preventive strategies, including vaccination, biosecurity, and environmental management, are vital. Research into transmission dynamics and local serovar pathogenicity will facilitate effective early intervention and control, reducing the impact of leptospirosis on animal and human health.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
This article is a review study with no human or animal sample.
Data availability
The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article or uploaded in journal as a supplementary document.
Funding
This research did not receive any grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Authors' contributions
Conceptualization and supervision: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Methodology: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar, Prajakta Prashant Bokade, Archana Pal, Swathi M, Shashikumar Sowjanyakumari, Akshata Nayak, Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, Chandan Dharmashekar, and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Project administration and resources: Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Investigation: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar, Prajakta Prashant Bokade, Archana Pal, Swathi M, Shashikumar Sowjanyakumari, Akshata Nayak, Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Data curation: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar, Shashikumar Sowjanyakumari, Akshata Nayak, Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Formal analysis: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar, Shashikumar Sowjanyakumari, Akshata Nayak, Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Software: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar, Akshata Nayak, and Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh; Validation: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar; Akshata Nayak, Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Visualization: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar; Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Writing the original draft: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Review and Editing: Kirubakaran Vinod Kumar, Prajakta Prashant Bokade, Archana Pal, Swathi M, Shashikumar Sowjanyakumari, Akshata Nayak, Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh, Chandan Dharmashekar, Arun Y. P., and Vinayagamurthy Balamurugan; Language and editing: Rithu Lakshman and Oviya Deenadayalan; Final approval: All authors.
Conflict of interest
The authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, India, and the ICAR-NIVEDI staff for their constant encouragement and support. The authors would also like to thank the staff of the National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI) in Bengaluru, India, for their constant support, encouragement, cooperation, and timely assistance. All the authors who contributed to the understanding of leptospirosis, especially in epidemiology, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and control measures, irrespective of whether their citation figures or not in this systematic review and meta-analysis are acknowledged.
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