Comparison of polymerase chain reaction assay, bacteriologic culture, and serologic testing in assessment of prevalence of urinary shedding of leptospires in dogs

Irrespective of health status, 8.2% of dogs were shedding pathogenic leptospires. Serologic testing was a poor predictor of urinary shedding. Clinically normal dogs that shed leptospires may pose a zoonotic risk to their owners.