NEW WILDLIFE HOSTS OF Leptospira interrogans IN CAMPECHE,MEXICO

Leptospira interrogans has been identified to cause leptospirosis, awidespread zoonotic disease that has been identified in domestic and wild animals.This work analyzed kidneys from two species of wild rodents from the state ofCampeche, Mexico. Analyses were made by PCR using specific primers for detection ofLeptospira interrogans DNA. The rodent species that testedpositive were Heteromys gaumeri and Ototylomysphyllotis, both of which are new hosts for the bacteria in SoutheasternMexico. These records provide new insights into the disease’s transmission thatshould be studied carefully in order to identify other potential host species,including humans, which are at risk of becoming infected if they are in contact withinfected wildlife.