Serological Survey on the Occurrence of Anti-Leptospira spp. Antibodies in Red-Eared Terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans) Living in a Natural Park of Northern Italy

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Although it has been supposed that reptiles, including chelonians, are involved in the epidemiology of Leptospira, data about leptospirosis in turtles are very scant. In the present survey, Trachemys scripta elegans terrapins living in a natural park were tested to verify the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp., with 6% being positive. Infected turtles could be a source of infection for other animals and humans, shedding leptospirae into the environment. However, further studies are necessary to verify if Leptospira may cause disease in turtles or if these animals may serve as reservoirs. ABSTRACT: Turtles are suspected to be involved in the epidemiology of Leptospira; however, data about the dissemination of this zoonotic pathogen among chelonians are scant. In the present study, the serum samples collected from 49 Trachemys scripta elegans living in a natural park of northern Italy were tested by a microagglutination test to measure detectable antibodies against different Leptospira serovars. Three (6.12%) turtles had agglutinins to the serovar Tarassovi, suggesting that they were exposed to the spirochaetes. Currently, it is not clear if Leptospira can cause disease in chelonians or if these animals can serve as reservoirs of leptospirae. Considering that chelonians often share the same environment with other animals and humans, and considering the One Health perspective, investigations to better understand the role of chelonians as a source of Leptospira infection are necessary.