Genetic Epidemiology of Bovine Leptospirosis: A Global Perspective from Sequence and Genome Datasets

Leptospirosis is an important reproductive disease in bovine hosts, yet its epidemiology is still largely inferred from serology, which provides limited resolution in bovines. Although genetic studies based on genotyping and whole-genome sequencing approaches are increasing, a comprehensive overview is still lacking. We analyzed bovine-origin sequences and genome metadata from databases to characterize patterns of Leptospira species and serogroups and to describe genotyping methods and molecular markers. Metadata were retrieved from GenBank and the Institut Pasteur cgMLST databases until January 2026. Extracted variables included species, genotyping approach/markers, serological classification of isolates, sample type and origin (renal vs. genital), clinical signs, and geographic location; climates were assigned using Köppen–Geiger classification. After selection, 569 records were retrieved: 411 single-locus sequences (eight molecular markers), 95 MLST profiles, and 63 genomes, from 35 countries, with most reports from South America (57.6%). Records spanned tropical, temperate, steppe, Mediterranean, and continental-cold climates. Nine species and 14 serogroups were identified; tropical and temperate areas showed greater diversity. The main agents, L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, and serogroup Sejroe, were predominant and widespread. Notably, L. noguchii, L. santarosai, L. venezuelensis, and L. wolffii were mostly concentrated in the Americas. Most records were from renal samples (68.7%), indicating limited focus on genital leptospirosis, and 83.5% lacked clinical information, limiting links between strains and manifestations. Overall, bovine leptospirosis is worldwide distributed, but gaps persist in marker standardization for single-locus sequencing and genome availability. Standardized genotyping, increasing genital sampling, and improving clinical metadata are essential for refining surveillance and clarifying the role of emerging species.