Natural infection of leptospira species in the native rodents degu (Octodon degus) and Darwin's Pericote (Phyllotis darwini) in mediterranean ecosystem of Chile

Abstract We report natural infections by pathogenic Leptospira of two rodent species endemic to Chile: the degu (Octodon degus) and Darwin's pericote (Phyllotis darwini). We detected Leptospira DNA in kidney and urine samples taken in different years and sites, reaching 33% infection. The effects of infection in these species requires further evaluation.