Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “LEPTOSPIROSIS”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 433 records · Page 24Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

A rapid and quantitative method for the detection of Leptospira species in human leptospirosis.

Prompt laboratory diagnosis of leptospirosis infection facilitates patient management and initiation of therapy. A cost effective real-time PCR assay using SYBR Green I was developed for detection of pathogenic leptospires in serum specimens. Specific PCR products were obtained only with DNA of pathogenic Leptospira genomospecies. LightCycler PCR ability to distinguish between species was possible using melting curves, providing an approach for identification with a specific Tm assigned to a single species or set of species. Assay sensitivity was approximately 50 leptospires/ml, corresponding to one to two genome copies in a PCR mixture. Fifty-one patients who had clinical symptoms consistent with leptospirosis were tested both with a previously described rrs amplification and our real-time assay. Our LFB1 real-time assay confirmed the diagnosis for 25 patients (49%, 25/51) and revealed an estimated density of 8.0x10(1)-3.9x10(4) leptospires/ml of blood. The total assay time for 12 clinical samples from sample to data analysis was less than 3 h. These data illustrate the potential of our LFB1 real-time assay for the rapid detection of leptospires in serum samples and their subsequent quantification in a single run.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Optimal treatment of leptospirosis: queries and projections.

Although the global burden of leptospirosis remains enormous and new aspects of the disease are constantly recognised, little progress has been achieved in the field of leptospirosis therapeutics and queries regarding the utility of antibiotics in the late severe form of the disease remain. From the currently existing data, conclusions on the efficacy of antibiotic administration in severe or late disease cannot easily be drawn, since clinical trials have different selection criteria and may focus on Leptospira serovars with different virulence. However, as a rule the benefit of the doubt should apply. Moreover, new options, such as ceftriaxone, have a superior safety profile to penicillin. In vitro studies have outlined potential antimicrobial candidates such as macrolides and ketolides. Development of a globally accepted subunit vaccine for humans is warranted but is not expected in the near future.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of the recombinant LipL32 in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the serodiagnosis of bovine leptospirosis.

The recombinant leptospiral protein LipL32 was evaluated for use in the diagnosis of bovine leptospirosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (rLipL32 IgG ELISA). The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) of 150 serum samples from cattle suspected of leptospirosis showed that 125 (83.3%) samples had positive reciprocal agglutination titres, which ranged from 100 to 1600. The highest titres were observed for the serovars Hardjoprajitno and Bratislava. In the rLipL32 IgG ELISA, 83.3% of the samples were positive. The sensitivity of IgG ELISA for 125 bovine sera, which had MAT titres of greater than or equal to 100, was 100%. ELISA showed a specificity of 100% with 58 bovine sera, which were negative at a 1:50 dilution in the MAT for Leptospira interrogans serovars. When analytical specificity of the IgG ELISA was evaluted using 60 bovine serum samples from animals showing serum antibodies to other pathogens that cause abortion in cattle, such as Babesia sp., Anaplasma sp. and Brucella sp. and no cross-reaction was observed. The recombinant LipL32 IgG ELISA can be an alternative to the MAT for diagnosis of leptospiral infection in cattle.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed2006

Canine leptospirosis--do we have a problem?

Acute canine leptospirosis is well known to vet surgeons. To protect dogs against this lethal disease, vaccination is widely used. However, chronic forms of leptospirosis have been noticed even in vaccinated animals, generally induced by bacteria from serogroups other than Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola such as Sejroë, Australis or Grippotyphosa. In a survey on 98 ill cats, 48% were positive in microagglutination test (MAT) to Leptospira spp., showing that this infection is also frequent in the feline species.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of LSSP-PCR for identification of Leptospira spp. in urine samples of cattle with clinical suspicion of leptospirosis.

We evaluated the use of low-stringency single specific primer PCR (LSSP-PCR) for genetically typing Leptospira directly from urine samples of cattle with clinical suspicion of leptospirosis. Urine samples obtained from 40 cattle with clinical suspicion of leptospirosis were amplified by specific PCR using the following primers: Internal 1/Internal 2 and G1/G2. The internal primers were designed from the gene sequence of the outer membrane lipoprotein Lip32 from Leptospira kirschneri, strain RM52. The PCR products were amplified with these two pairs of primers, which had approximately 497 and 285bp, respectively, and were subsequently used as a template for LSSP-PCR analysis. The genetic signatures from the leptospires which were present in the urine samples allowed us to make a preliminary identification of the leptospires by comparing the LSSP-PCR profiles obtained directly from urine samples with those from reference leptospires. The LSSP-PCR profiles obtained with the Internal 1 primer or with the G1 primer allowed the grouping of the leptospires into serogroups. LSSP-PCR was found to be a useful and sensitive approach capable of identifying leptospires directly from biological samples without the need for prior bacterial isolation. In conclusion, the LSSP-PCR technique may still be helpful in discriminating serogroups of Leptospira from different animal reservoirs, since the early identification of carrier animals and information on the shedding state are crucial to prevent the spread of leptospiral infection to other animals and humans.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Alveolar septal deposition of immunoglobulin and complement parallels pulmonary hemorrhage in a guinea pig model of severe pulmonary leptospirosis.

Human patients suffering from leptospirosis present with a diverse array of clinical manifestations, including the more severe and often fatal pulmonary form of the disease. The etiology of pulmonary hemorrhage is unclear. Isolates of Leptospira acquired from patients suffering from pulmonary hemorrhage were used to develop a guinea pig model of pulmonary hemorrhage. Gross findings post-infection confirmed extensive hemorrhage in the lungs and on peritoneal surfaces as the likely cause of death. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of large numbers of leptospires in kidney, liver, intestinal tissues, and spleen, but few inflammatory cells were seen. In marked contrast, few leptospires were detected in infected hemorrhagic lung tissue. Blood chemistries and hematology did not reveal the etiology of the hemorrhage observed. There was no chemical or microscopic evidence for disseminated intravascular coagulation. To ascertain an immunopathologic role during disease, immunofluorescence was performed on infected lung tissues and confirmed the presence of IgM, IgG, IgA, and C3 along the alveolar basement membrane. This suggests that an autoimmune process may be the etiology of fatal pulmonary hemorrhage in leptospirosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

Leptospirosis: a childhood disease.

A diagnosis of leptospirosis was confirmed in nine children who were admitted to St. Louis Children's Hospital during the past 54 months. Epidemiologic, clinical, cultural, and serologic data which were obtained emphasize (1) the high incidence of urban cases; (2) contact with dogs as the most likely source of infection; and (3) that serotypes other than Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae may produce severe clinical disease. Unusual or previously unreported manifestations of leptospirosis including acalculous cholecystitis, pancreatitis, abdominal causalgia, desquamating skin rashes, and infarction of the extremities which were noted in these children are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Factors associated with bovine leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Serum samples from 379 adult cows with lowered fertility farmed in the Rio de Janeiro region of Brazil. They were examined for Leptospira antibodies. A questionnaire was completed for each herd. Antibodies were detected in 46.9% of these cows, mainly to serovar hardjo. Main risk factor associated with seropositivity was co-grazing with other species, mainly pigs (OR = 3.17; p<0.04). Absence of or infrequent veterinary assistance (OR = 1.74) has also been suggested to be associated to the overall seroprevalence to leptospirosis. We suggest that a successful control programme for bovine leptospirosis should include a complete investigation of herd management practices, which could influence in the occurrence of the infection.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Pulmonary haemorrhage as a predominant cause of death in leptospirosis in Seychelles.

We examined the cause of death during a 12-month period (1995/96) in all consecutive patients admitted to hospital with leptospiral infection in Seychelles (Indian Ocean), where the disease is endemic. Leptospirosis was diagnosed by use of the microscopic agglutination test and a specific polymerase chain reaction assay on serum samples. Seventy-five cases were diagnosed and 6 patients died, a case fatality of 8%. All 6 patients died within 9 days of onset of symptoms and within 2 days of admission for 5 of them (5 days for the 6th). On autopsy, diffuse bilateral pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) was found in all fatalities. Renal, cardiac, digestive and cerebral haemorrhages were also found in 5, 3, 3 and 1 case(s), respectively. Incidentally, haemoptysis and lung infiltrate on chest radiographs, which suggest PH, were found in 8 of the 69 non-fatal cases. Dengue and hantavirus infections were ruled out. In conclusion, PH appeared to be a main cause of death in leptospirosis in this population, although haemorrhage in other organs may also have contributed to fatal outcomes. This cause of death contrasts with the findings generally reported in endemic settings.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Massive pulmonary haemorrhage caused by leptospirosis successfully treated with nitric oxide inhalation and haemofiltration.

A patient with leptospirosis who developed oliguric renal failure, massive pulmonary haemorrhage and respiratory failure is described. The patient's clinical condition and arterial oxygenation failed to improve despite vigorous supportive measures. Nitric oxide inhalation and haemofiltration resulted in a marked clinical improvement and subsequent full recovery. We suggest that the addition of haemofiltration and nitric oxide inhalation therapy should be considered in patients with pulmonary haemorrhage and renal failure caused by leptospirosis, in whom conventional therapy fails.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1984

Epidemiological aspects of canine leptospirosis in the Netherlands.

The epidemiology of canine leptospirosis has been examined in a limited study in the Netherlands from 1969 through 1982. Leptospira interrogans serotype icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola were found to be the only serotypes causing clinical leptospirosis. However, positive agglutination titres to the serotypes grippotyphosa, bratislava, poi and ballum have also been detected. The incidence of infection caused by serotype icterohaemorrhagiae was highest during summer and autumn. Infections with serotype canicola were more evenly distributed over the year with only a slight increase during summer and autumn. Infections caused by serotype canicola were significantly more prevalent in male dogs, whereas infections with serotype icterohaemorrhagiae were found both in males and females in almost equal numbers. The incidence of infections with serotype icterohaemorrhagiae was highest in immature dogs. Infections with serotype canicola were detected in young as well as older animals. In contrast to the situation in the past, infections with serotype icterohaemorrhagiae are now more common than those caused by serotype canicola, which have become rare. The highest incidence of infection was found in the western part of the country. The majority of infections was demonstrated in guard-dogs and sporting-dogs. Dogs proved to be of minor importance as a source of human infection in the Netherlands.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Leptospirosis. A re-emerging zoonotic disease.

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging infectious disease that occurs in dogs in urban and rural environments. It is caused by a filamentous spiral bacterium that has a predilection for renal tubules. Acute renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, and hemorrhagic diathesis are the most common clinical signs. Treatment with antibiotics and supportive care can manage a high percentage of cases successfully. Newer vaccines developed in response to the change in frequency of certain serovars may decrease the incidence of clinical disease. Leptospirosis affects a wide variety of species and is zoonotic.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Pulmonary complications of leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide disease. In this time of globalization knowledge about leptospirosis is important. Although pulmonary involvement has an incidence varying from 20% to 70% and its exteriorization may vary from mild to severe, The severe form appears to be becoming more prevalent (at least in Brazil) and may be associated with higher mortality.

Humans↗
PubMed2003

Duration of immunity in dogs vaccinated against leptospirosis with a bivalent inactivated vaccine.

Duration of immunity in dogs induced with current commercial inactivated leptospirosis vaccines and evaluated against experimental infection, to date, has hardly been documented. The purpose of the present work was to assess the duration of immunity in dogs that is attainable with a commercial inactivated bivalent leptospirosis vaccine. For this purpose, young dogs were vaccinated twice followed by challenge with either Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola or L. interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae 5 weeks, 27 weeks or 56 weeks after the second vaccination. For assessment of the duration of immunity, titres of agglutinating serum antibodies were measured before and after challenge, and the effects of challenge on a variety of parameters were determined including reisolation of challenge organisms from blood, urine and kidney. Both challenge strains induced a generalised infection in control dogs, the canicola strain being most virulent. From the results with different parameters it appeared that the two vaccinations induced a high rate of protection from generalised infection with canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae at 5, 27 and 56 weeks after the second vaccination. In addition, after 56 weeks, still a high level of immunity against renal infection with sv. canicola and, as a consequence, urinary shedding of sv. canicola bacteria, was demonstrated. It was, therefore, concluded that with this vaccine, using this vaccination schedule, a duration of immunity of 1 year can be attained against infection with both serovars.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1997

Seroepidemiology of canine leptospirosis on the island of Barbados.

Previous surveillance in Barbados documented the absence of infection with Leptospira serogroup Canicola in dogs. The aim of this study was to survey the current state of canine leptospirosis in Barbados, 10 years after the last survey. Sera from 78 unwanted dogs scheduled for euthanasia and 61 dogs suspected of having acute leptospirosis were tested by microscopic agglutination (MAT) and by an ELISA method adapted for canine IgM and IgG antibodies. The seroprevalence in unwanted dogs was 62% (48/78), at an MAT titre of > or = 100. The majority of animals had low titres, suggestive of previous infection. Serogroup Autumnalis was the most common reactor (45%), followed by serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae and Australis (each 16%) and Pomona (13%). Serogroup Ballum was uncommon in this group. The seroprevalence determined by MAT in acutely-ill dogs was 75% (46/61). The most common predominant serogroup was Icterohaemorrhagiae (36%) followed by serogroup Australis (13%), while serogroups Autumnalis and Ballum were also of little significance. Paired specimens were available from eight acutely-ill dogs. One animal was seronegative while five dogs showed evidence of seroconversion. An IgM-ELISA titre of > or = 320 was used to confirm current infection in eight of these nine animals. Previous studies in Barbados showed a higher prevalence of serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae than of Autumnalis, but the relative frequency of these two serogroups may be changing. The high seroprevalence in dogs is of public health concern because the close contact between dogs and man may provide the link between a reservoir in the environment and susceptible humans.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

Leptospirosis as a cause of reproductive failure.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by members of the genus Leptospira. Veterinarians' perceptions of leptospirosis as a disease of domestic animals has undergone considerable modification in the past decade or so because they have increasingly appreciated the role of the host-maintained leptospires as causes of reproductive wastage in their respective host species kept under modern intensive management systems.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1986

[Acute respiratory distress disclosing leptospirosis].

The respiratory manifestations of leptospirosis are usually benign. A case is reported of anicteric leptospirosis with serious pulmonary affection. The clinical symptoms, the radiological manifestations and haemodynamic investigation were suggestive of an acute respiratory distress by non-haemodynamic pulmonary oedema. In accordance with other authors, one would be justified in including this acute respiratory failure as part of the acute respiratory distress syndrome of the adult (ARDS).

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Leptospirosis in Latin America.

Leptospirosis is a common disease in Latin America. Transmission to humans occurs by contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of rodents, dogs, or livestock. Pathogenesis is still poorly understood, and bacterial toxin or virulence factors are probably responsible for many features of the disease. The anicteric form is the most frequent presentation, and its clinical picture resembles influenza or other acute febrile diseases. Icterohemorrhagic leptospirosis, or Weil's syndrome, represents the severe form of the disease. Its clinical picture is similar to bacterial sepsis and multiple organ involvement occurs, mainly in kidneys and lungs, and causes great morbidity and mortality. Death is often related to multiple organ failure and pulmonary hemorrhages. Diagnosis is based on serology or blood, cerebrospinal fluid and urine cultures in specific media. Treatment involves a combination of antibiotics and supportive measures.

Animals↗