Detection of Leptospira species from environment in Santubong National Park and Mulu National Park.

Leptospira is tightly coiled spirochete and obligate aerobic bacteria that can cause leptospirosis. It can cause global health impact on human and animals. Leptospira is divided into three major groups, pathogenic, saprophytic and intermediate Leptospira. In previous studies, the presence of pathogenic Leptospira from environment in Peninsular Malaysia has been detected. The main purpose of this study was to isolate and detect pathogenic, saprophytic and intermediate Leptospira in water and soil samples from Santubong National Park and Mulu National Park. A total of 35 environment samples, soil and water were collected from two selected national parks of Sarawak. The samples were cultured in EMJH medium supplemented with of 5-fluorouracil for 30 days. Extraction of DNA was done using Wizard TM Genomic DNA purification Kit. The cultures were analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Leptospira species. Approximately 25.7% (9 out of 35) samples were detected positive towards 16S rRNA gene which is specific to intermediate Leptospira. The findings of this study indicated the presence of Leptospira in soil sample is higher than water sample and the distribution of Leptospira is higher at Santubong National Park compared to Mulu National Park due to environment condition. Thus preventive measure and control should be taken and increase awareness among public regarding leptospirosis