Seroprevalence of and risk factors for leptospiral antibodies among cattle in the state of Yucatan, Mexico.

Sera obtained from cattle in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, were screened using the microscopic agglutination test against 13 serovars of Leptospira interrogans. A total of 62.8% (461/734) cows were positive for one or more serovars. This seroprevalence probably reflects infection because vaccination against leptospirosis has not been practised in Yucatan. The most common antibodies detected were those against antigens of serovars hardjo (54.1%) and tarassovi (53.3%). Region was the only risk factor associated with the seroprevalence of leptospirosis (p < 0.05).