Advancements and Perspectives in Molecular Detection and Analysis of Leptospira spp. in Animals
A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Microbiology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 16
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Leptospirosis is a globally important zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. It affects a wide range of domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. In animals, infection often remains subclinical, yet these asymptomatic carriers serve as reservoirs, shedding bacteria into the environment and facilitating transmission. Traditional diagnostic approaches, such as culture and serological tests, including the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), have provided valuable insights but are limited by low sensitivity, cross-reactivity, and the need for specialized expertise.
In recent years, molecular techniques have revolutionized the detection and analysis of Leptospira spp., offering rapid, sensitive, and specific alternatives for use in diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance. Advances in polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays, quantitative real-time PCR, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have significantly enhanced our ability to detect, differentiate, and study the genetic diversity of Leptospira strains. Moreover, the integration of molecular tools into bioinformatics and genomics has deepened our understanding of pathogen evolution, virulence factors, and host–pathogen interactions.
This Special Issue will highlight recent advancements and emerging perspectives in the molecular detection and analysis of Leptospira spp. in animals, emphasizing their role in improving disease diagnosis, monitoring, and control strategies, which are essential in both veterinary and public health.
Prof. Dr. Nenad Turk
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- Leptospira spp.
- leptospirosis
- molecular detection
- molecular analysis
- PCR
- real-time PCR
- LAMP
- NGS
- One Health
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