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Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health / Parasitic Infections and Diagnostics · Journal article
BMC Veterinary Research · August 1, 2026
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A cross-sectional serological survey found anti-Leptospira antibodies (titer ≥1:100) in 61.5% of 397 Connecticut horses using microscopic agglutination test; after excluding Pomona serogroup to reduce vaccination bias, seroprevalence was 51.4%. The finding documents high exposure to multiple Leptospira serogroups not covered by commercial vaccines, but does not establish active infection, clinical disease, or transmission risk.
Cross-sectional seroprevalence survey. Horses in Connecticut, US; specific selection criteria, age range, use category, and enrollment venue not stated.. n = 397. Connecticut, US.
Overall horse seropositivity (titer ≥1:100) was 61.5% (244/397) After excluding Pomona serogroup to reduce vaccination bias, seroprevalence was 51.4% (204/397) Cross reaction for more than one serogroup found in 80/244 (32.8%) of seropositive horses
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The high seroprevalence indicates widespread Leptospira exposure in Connecticut horses and suggests potential zoonotic spillover risk to humans; however, serological positivity alone does not indicate active shedding, clinical risk, or need for intervention without further epidemiological and microbiological investigation.
A descriptive seroprevalence survey with a single time point, no comparator, and serological markers only; documents exposure but cannot establish clinical disease, causation, or intervention efficacy.
As stated by the source record.
Quoted from the source exactly as published.
The high seroprevalence indicates widespread Leptospira exposure in Connecticut horses and suggests potential zoonotic spillover risk to humans; however, serological positivity alone does not indicate active shedding, clinical risk, or need for intervention without further epidemiological and microbiological investigation.
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Leptospirosis is a geographically widespread neglected zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the Leptospira genus. Horses can act as subclinical reservoir hosts, which are characterized as asymptomatic carriers that persistently excrete leptospires through their urine and transmit the disease. Horses play an important role in the lives of Connecticut (CT) residents in the form of leisure pursuits and related business activities. Nevertheless, there is a limited understanding of horse exposure to Leptospira in CT. This investigation sought to determine the prevalence of anti- Leptospira antibodies in horses in Connecticut, US. A total of 397 sera were tested by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The antigen panel included 40 strains representing 26 serogroups and four autochthonous isolates (not determined serogroup). The overall horse seropositivity (established as a titer ≥ 1:100) was 61.5% (244/397). The most detected serogroups were Djasiman, Grippotyphosa, Australis, Pomona, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and serovar Room22 strain GWTS1. Cross reaction for more than one serogroup was found in 80/244 (32.8%). As a limitation, the MAT does not differentiate between natural exposure and vaccination. However, Leptospira bacterin for horses includes only serogroup Pomona in the U.S. Therefore, after eliminating Pomona results to reduce potential vaccination bias, the seroprevalence was 204/397 (51.4%). Our results showed a high seroprevalence of leptospirosis in Connecticut and strong evidence that animals were potentially exposed to serogroups/serovars not included in commercial bacterins. Further studies to attempt isolation and genotyping of the pathogen from horses are necessary to better understand the role of horses in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. This information will support diagnostic strategies, vaccine recommendations, risk assessment, and public health actions that can reduce spillover transmission and the impact of this important zoonotic disease.
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