molecular and pathological studies on leptospira and campylobacter infections in aborted fetuses from northwest iran

This study was performed to identify leptospira and campylobacter infections in aborted fetuses of small domestic ruminants, including sheep and goats in east azerbaijan province, northwest iran. for this purpose, a total of 62 aborted fetuses were collected from sheep and goat flocks. at necropsy, tissue samples were collected for histopathological (brain, liver, kidney, and lung) and molecular studies (abomasal content). the conventional pcr method using specific primers was conducted for the molecular evaluations. additionally, the formalin-fixed tissue samples were routinely processed for histopathological examinations. the genomes of leptospira and campylobacter were detected in 19.35% and 22.58% of the examined fetuses, respectively. and, three out of 62 (4.83%) aborted fetuses demonstrated positive results for both infections. histopathological studies demonstrated multifocal gliosis and nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis in the brain, multifocal necrotic hepatitis in the liver, multifocal tubular necrosis in the kidney, and suppurative bronchopneumonia in the lung. in conclusion, the identification of leptospira and campylobacter genomes in aborted fetuses with high prevalence rates indicates that these infections play a notable role in the abortion of sheep and goats in east azerbaijan. therefore, preventing and controlling these infections in this region is necessary, particularly regarding their zoonotic potential and public health.