Influence of leptospirosis on reproductive performance of sows in Brazil

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between seropositivity for the most frequent Leptospira serovars and reproductive losses in sows in Brazil. Serum samples from 351 sows from 18 herds (in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) with low reproductive efficiency were tested (microscopic agglutination) for antibodies against serovars of Leptospira. Antibodies were detected in serum samples of 66.1% of all sows, most frequently serovar icterohaemorrhagiae (43.1%), followed by pomona (18.1%) and tarassovi (9.9%). Seroreactivity to icterohaemorrhagiae and pomona were associated (P < 0.05) with impaired reproductive performance (and substantial economic loss). Seroreactivity for pomona was associated (P < 0.05) with stillborn piglets and mummified fetuses, whereas seroreactivity to icterohaemorrhagiae was associated (P < 0.05) with the number of piglets born dead.