Survey of Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens in Native Foxes in Central Chile: First Record of Brucella canis Exposure

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Wild canids play a crucial role in the environment, being an ecological agent of flora dispersal, top predators, and environmental sentinels for zoonotic emerging pathogens, such as Brucella spp. and pathogenic Leptospira. In Chile, three species of non-domestic native canids are present, and due to the growing concern about their interaction with humans and domestic animals, it is of utmost relevance to determine the role of these animals in the epidemiology of brucellosis and leptospirosis. This study aimed to detect the exposure to B. abortus, B. canis, and pathogenic Leptospira by serologic, bacteriologic, and molecular techniques in native foxes from rehabilitation and exhibition centers in Central Chile. Forty-six blood samples were obtained from culpeo and grey foxes, detecting exposure to B. canis and L. Javanica in 10.9% and 7.7%, respectively. Exposure was not registered by culture and qPCR in any of the sampled animals. Our results show for the first time in Chile exposure to B. canis in native foxes, highlighting the need to establish integrated surveillance programs to better evaluate the role of wild animals in the epidemiology of emerging zoonotic pathogens that may affect One Health. ABSTRACT: Brucella abortus, B. canis, and pathogenic Leptospira are zoonotic pathogens that infect humans, as well as domestic and wild animals. In wild canids, they may affect their fertility and reproduction, threatening their conservation. Wild canids play a crucial role in the environment as meso- and top-predators and environmental sentinels for zoonotic pathogens. In Chile, three species of wild canids are present, and due to changes in land use and environmental dynamics, it is of utmost relevance to determine the role of these species in the epidemiology of brucellosis and leptospirosis. This study aimed to detect the exposure to B. abortus, B. canis, and pathogenic Leptospira by serologic, bacteriologic, and molecular techniques in native foxes from rehabilitation and exhibition centers in Central Chile. Forty-six blood samples were obtained from Lycalopex culpaeus and L. griseus, detecting 10.9% of seropositivity to B. canis and 7.7% to L. Javanica. No seropositivity was seen for B. abortus. Exposure was not registered by culture and qPCR in any of the sampled animals. Our findings are the first register of exposure to any Brucella species in wild canids in Chile and highlight the need to establish surveillance programs of these emerging pathogens.