Serological Survey of Pathogenic Leptospira in Reservoir Household Rats (Rattus rattus) and Community Risk Perception in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Leptospirosis, a neglected zoonosis caused by pathogenic Leptospira species, poses significant public health risks in urbanizing areas of sub-Saharan Africa, where rodents like Rattus rattus serve as key reservoirs. Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria, exemplifies such vulnerability due to rapid urbanization, poor sanitation, and high rodent infestation in informal settlements. This cross-sectional study determined the seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira IgG in household rats and evaluated community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward rodent-borne diseases. Rodents were systematically trapped across Sokoto North, Sokoto South, Wamakko, Dange-Shuni, and Kware local government areas using baited wire-mesh live traps over two consecutive nights per site, yielding 212 Rattus rattus samples. Serum was harvested from cardiac puncture blood and tested via indirect ELISA (Rat Leptospira IgG ELISA Kit, AFG Scientific, USA) at 450 nm, with positivity defined by manufacturer cut-offs (≥0.5 OD). Concurrently, structured questionnaires were administered to one adult per household (n=212) via face-to-face interviews in Hausa/English on Google Forms, assessing socio-demographics, housing, livestock ownership, sanitation, and KAP (Cronbach's α=0.78). Data were analyzed descriptively and via chi-square/logistic regression (p<0.05). Overall Leptospira seroprevalence was 33% (70/212), with district variations: Wamakko (27.1%), Sokoto South (25.7%), Sokoto North (24.3%), Dange-Shuni (15.7%), Kware (7.1%; χ²=8.49, p=0.075). No significant associations emerged with age (e.g., >50 years: 61.4% positive, p=0.254), gender (males 91.4% of positives, p=0.162), education (Quran/Madrassa 35.7% positive, p=0.104), occupation (p=0.906), marital status (p=0.720), household role (p=0.481), house type (mud 32.9% positive, p=0.213), animals owned (6-10: 54.3% positive, p=0.107), or toilet type (water closet 52.9% positive, p=0.394). Household size trended higher in larger groups (6-10: 51.4%, p=0.056), suggesting crowding risks.​ Community KAP revealed moderate rodent disease awareness but poor leptospirosis-specific knowledge and inconsistent prevention (e.g., traps, rodenticides). Larger households and substandard housing amplified exposure. These findings confirm active Leptospira circulation in urban rats, with ubiquitous risk across demographics, underscoring gaps in awareness and sanitation. Integrated One Health strategies rodent control, sanitation upgrades, and targeted education are essential to curb transmission in similar Nigerian settings.​