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Reproductive failure associated with Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava infection of swine.

Specimens from 17 swine herds experiencing reproductive failure were examined for Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava. Clinical signs observed in these herds included stillborn pigs, weak neonatal pigs, and abortion. Diagnostic tests used to determine L. interrogans serovar bratislava infection were bacteriologic culture, serologic assays to detect antibodies, and immunofluorescence. Examination of fetal serum for antibodies against serovar bratislava and a fluorescent antibody test were the most practical diagnostic procedures.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

Body distribution of poly-DL-lactide-poly(ethylene glycol) microspheres with entrapped leptospira interrogans antigens following intravenous and oral administration to guinea-pigs.

Poly-DL-lactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PELA) microspheres with entrapped antigens were administered intravenously and orally into guinea-pigs to quantitatively determine the in-vivo distribution and release profiles. PELA microspheres containing 125I-labelled outer-membrane protein Leptospira interrogans antigens (125I-OMP) were prepared by double-emulsion solvent extraction procedure, and characterized with respect to size, morphology and in-vitro release profiles. The fractured sections of liver and spleen were inspected by scanning electron microscopy, which indicated that microspheres had successfully been entrapped within the above tissues after intravenous injection and oral administration. At predetermined intervals, the blood and such tissues as the liver, spleen, kidney, thyroid, small intestine and mesentery were collected, and the radioactivity was measured by gamma scintillation counting. Following intravenous administration, 56.7% of administered microspheres were accumulated in immunization-related tissues, and 40.1% of microspheres were located in the liver and spleen. However, there was limited uptake efficiency (8.33%) following oral administration, and 49.5% of the absorbed microspheres were located in the intestinal mucosa. Compared with in-vitro release, the in-vivo release profiles of 125I-OMP from PELA microspheres, determined from the decreasing radioactivity in the above tissues, were much faster and the burst effect was higher. Antigen-loaded PELA microspheres were efficiently entrapped within immunization-related tissues after intravenous administration, but orally administered PELA microspheres showed limited uptake efficiency. Further investigation is needed to improve intestinal absorption.

Administration, Oral↗

Leptospira interrogans serovar sejroe infection in a group of laboratory dogs.

Interstitial nephritis was seen histologically in 19 (59%) out of 32 pure-breed beagle dogs (16 males and 16 females) subjected to standard safety tests. In these animals no clinical abnormalities were observed and all the tested parameters (haematology, biochemistry and urine analysis) were within the normal ranges. Leptospiral antibody titres ranging from 1 : 100 to 1 : 6400, against a serovar (hardjo) belonging to the Sejroe serogroup, were detected by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) in the serum of the 19 dogs with interstitial nephritis. All animals without renal lesions were seronegative. Leptospiral antigen was detected immunohistochemically in the kidneys of 4 dogs; leptospires were detected in Warthin-Starry stained sections of one dog. Leptospires were isolated from the kidneys of 3 of the 4 dogs examined by bacterial culture. The isolated strains were typed as serovar sejroe by restriction endonuclease digestion and Southern blot hybridization analysis of their DNA. It was concluded that Leptospira interrogans serovar sejroe, was responsible for an asymptomatic chronic renal infection which was widespread in this group of laboratory dogs.

Agglutination Tests↗

Detection of Brucella canis and Leptospira interrogans in canine semen by multiplex nested PCR.

Brucella canis and Leptospira interrogans are pathogenic bacteria that cause brucellosis and leptospirosis in dogs around the world. Both diseases can be diagnosed serologically, but the direct detection of these organisms in canine semen is needed when it is used for artificial reproduction. We have been attempting the artificial reproduction of guide dogs for greater breeding efficiency and for this purpose have developed a multiplex nested PCR technique for the detection of B. canis and L. interrogans in the semen and cryoprotective agent (CPA). Our results demonstrated the high sensitivity and simplicity of this technique in the detection of these organisms in canine semen and that will be useful in routine diagnosis. Since they have been found to stay alive in canine semen and CPA up to 48 hr, canine semen for breeding purposes should be checked for contamination by the PCR assay.

Animals↗

[Immunodiagnosis of human leptospirosis by ELISA-IgM, employing different antigenic preparations from prevalent serovars of Leptospira interrogans].

A comparative study among different serovars of Leptospira interrogans was performed in order to prepare antigens to detect IgM antibodies by ELISA in early and late phase of human leptospirosis. Ten serovars were chosen among the most prevalent detected by microscopic seroagglutination (SAM) in São Paulo city. Using ELISA-IgM five of them showed better results (canicola, hebdomadis, icterohaemorrhagiae, cynopteri and brasiliensis). These ones were also studied in a pool. The non-treated antigens showed higher reactivity than the Triton X-100 (4%/50 degrees C/4h). ELISA-IgM using individually or pool of non-treated antigens proved to be reliable with high sensitivity and should be used for an earlier diagnosis of leptospirosis, as a trial test. Faster diagnostic elucidation can be useful to detect epidemic situations, so, allowing epidemiological surveillance interventions.

Antigens, Bacterial↗

Application of anti-leptospira ELISA-IgM for the etiologic elucidation of meningitis.

Leptospirosis is one of the causes of meningitis, although its importance is not well known. In the present study we contributed to this knowledge by demonstrating specific IgM class anti-leptospira antibodies by the immunoenzymatic method ELISA in 14.6% of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 171 patients with meningitis considered to be of indeterminate etiology. The frequencies of positivity were similar in cases with predominance of polymorphonuclear or lymphomonuclear leucocytes in the CSF. Age distribution showed a predominance of the 5 to 15 year age range (72%), and sex distribution showed a predominance of males (68%). The authors discuss the contribution of this method to the etiologic elucidation of meningitis.

Adolescent↗

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to the EDTA extract of Leptospira interrogans, serovar icterohaemorrhagiae.

Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) were produced against an ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) extract of Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae being characterized by gel precipitation as IgM and IgG (IgG1 and IgG2b). The EDTA extract was detected as several bands by silver staining in SDS-PAGE. In the Western blot the bands around 20 KDa reacted with a monoclonal antibody, 47B4D6, and was oxidized by periodate and was not digested by pronase, suggesting that the determinant is of carbohydrate nature. Immunocytochemistry, using colloidal gold labeling, showed that an EDTA extract determinant recognized by monoclonal antibody 47B4D6, is localized under the outer envelope of serovar icterohaemorrhagiae. The MAB raised against the EDTA extract was not able to protect hamsters from lethal challenge with virulent homologous leptospires.

Animals↗

Recommendations for the detection of Leptospira in urine by PCR.

In the present study PCR was applied to detect leptospires in human urine. Several approaches for sample processing were evaluated to optimize the detection of leptospires in urine mixed with this bacterium. Furthermore, some changes in the composition of the reaction mix were studied. No amplification was observed in acidic urine, therefore neutralization of the sample immediately after collection is strongly recommended. PBS gave better results than Tris or NaOH as neutralizing reagents. Freezing and thawing of samples before processing yielded negative results. Elimination of epithelial cells, leukocytes and crystals by centrifugation at 3,000 rpm at room temperature increased sensitivity. In addition, both the washing step after collecting leptospires by centrifugation and the inclusion of 0.1% bovine serum albumin in the reaction mix minimized the interference of other inhibitory compounds. These modifications were useful to improve the detection of Leptospira in urine by PCR.

Animals↗

[Presence of IgM antibodies for Leptospira interrogans in wild animals from Tocantins State, 2002].

Four hundred and twenty-seven serum samples of wild animals were tested against 18 serovars of Leptospira interrogans. Of 286 samples of Cebus apella, 46 (16.1%) were positive for the serovars pomona, brasiliensis, mini, swajizak, grippotyphosa, sarmin, fluminense, autumnalis, hebdomadis, guaratuba, javanica and icterohaemorrhagiae. Of 82 samples of Alouatta caraya, 2 (2.4%) were positive for the serovars mangus and fluminense. Of 31 samples of Nasua nasua, 4 (12.9%) were positive for the serovars fluminense and javanica, and of 10 samples of Cerdocyon thous, 2 (20 %) were positive for the serovars fluminense and brasiliensis. Seven samples of Dasyprocta sp, 6 of Tamandua tetradactyla and 5 of Euphractus sexcintus did not present reactivity.

Animals↗

Amino acid sequences of proteins from Leptospira serovar pomona.

This report describes a partial amino acid sequences from three putative outer envelope proteins from Leptospira serovar pomona. In order to obtain internal fragments for protein sequencing, enzymatic and chemical digestion was performed. The enzyme clostripain was used to digest the proteins 32 and 45 kDa. In situ digestion of 40 kDa molecular weight protein was accomplished using cyanogen bromide. The 32 kDa protein generated two fragments, one of 21 kDa and another of 10 kDa that yielded five residues. A fragment of 24 kDa that yielded nineteen residues of amino acids was obtained from 45 kDa protein. A fragment with a molecular weight of 20 kDa, yielding a twenty amino acids sequence from the 40 kDa protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Na,K-ATPase: a molecular target for Leptospira interrogans endotoxin.

On the basis of our report that a glycolipoprotein fraction (GLP) extracted from Leptospira interrogans contains a potent inhibitor of renal Na,K-ATPase, we proposed that GLP-induced inhibition of Na,K-ATPase might be the primary cellular defect in the physiopathology of leptospirosis. The present study was designed to test this hypothesis by determining whether or not 1). GLP inhibits all the isoforms of Na,K-ATPase which are expressed in the tissues affected by leptospirosis, 2) Na,K-ATPase from leptospirosis-resistant species, such as the rat, is sensitive to GLP, 3) GLP inhibits Na,K-ATPase from intact cells, and 4) GLP inhibits ouabain-sensitive H,K-ATPase. The results indicate that in the rabbit, a leptospirosis-sensitive species, GLP inhibits with similar efficiency (apparent IC50: 120-220 micrograms protein GLP/ml) all isoforms of Na,K-ATPase known to be expressed in target tissues for the disease. Na,K-ATPase from rat kidney displays a sensitivity to GLP similar to that of the rabbit kidney enzyme (apparent IC50: 25-80 and 50-150 micrograms protein GLP/ml for rat and rabbit, respectively), indicating that resistance to the disease does not result from the resistance of Na,K-ATPase to GLP. GLP also reduces ouabain-sensitive rubidium uptake in rat thick ascending limbs (pmol mm-1 min-1 +/- SEM; control: 23.8 +/- 1.8; GLP, 88 micrograms protein/ml: 8.2 +/- 0.9), demonstrating that it is active in intact cells. Finally, GLP had no demonstrable effect on renal H,K-ATPase activity, even on the ouabain-sensitive form, indicating that the active principle of GLP is more specific for Na,K-ATPase than ouabain itself. Although the hypothesis remains to be demonstrated in vivo, the present findings are compatible with the putative role of GLP-induced inhibition of Na,K-ATPase as an initial mechanism in the physiopathology of leptospirosis.

Animals↗

Leptospira interrogans activation of peripheral blood monocyte glycolipoprotein demonstrated in whole blood by the release of IL-6.

Glycolipoprotein (GLP) from pathogenic serovars of Leptospira has been implicated in the pathogenesis of leptospirosis by its presence in tissues of experimental animals with leptospirosis, the inhibition of the Na,K-ATPase pump activity, and induced production of cytokines. The aims of the present study were to investigate the induction of IL-6 by GLP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and to demonstrate monocyte stimulation at the cellular level in whole blood from healthy volunteers. PBMC were stimulated with increasing concentrations (5 to 2500 ng/ml) of GLP extracted from the pathogenic L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni, lipopolysaccharide (positive control) or medium (negative control), and supernatants were collected after 6, 20/24, and 48 h, and kept at -80 degrees C until use. Whole blood was diluted 1:1 in RPMI medium and cultivated for 6 h, with medium, GLP and lipopolysaccharide as described above. Monensin was added after the first hour of culture. Supernatant cytokine levels from PBMC were measured by ELISA and intracellular IL-6 was detected in monocytes in whole blood cultures by flow-cytometry. Monocytes were identified in whole blood on the basis of forward versus side scatter parameters and positive reactions with CD45 and CD14 antibodies. GLP ( > or = 50 ng/ml)-induced IL-6 levels in supernatants were detected after 6-h incubation, reaching a peak after 20/24 h. The percentage of monocytes staining for IL-6 increased with increasing GLP concentration. Thus, our findings show a GLP-induced cellular activation by demonstrating the ability of GLP to induce IL-6 and the occurrence of monocyte activation in whole blood at the cellular level.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

Leptospira infection in two black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis michaeli).

Two black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis michaeli) developed clinical leptospirosis without hemolytic crises. The first rhinoceros presented with peracute depression, anorexia, rear leg trembling, dysuria, glucosuria, gastrointestinal discomfort, and decreased fecal output and died within 12 hr. Necropsy and histopathology revealed lesions within multiple organs. Leptospirosis was diagnosed postmortem based on positive fluorescent antibody staining of liver. The second rhinoceros presented 2 mo later with similar signs. It survived with treatment and was diagnosed with leptospirosis based on serology using microscopic agglutination testing and detection of urinary antigen using a fluorescent antibody technique. Leptospira kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa was postulated as the etiologic agent, with transmission probably occurring through wallow contamination by wild raccoons (Procyon lotor).

Agglutination Tests↗

Comparison of polymerase chain reaction assays with bacteriologic culture, immunofluorescence, and nucleic acid hybridization for detection of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo in urine of cattle.

OBJECTIVE: To compare sensitivity and specificity of various polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for detection of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo in bovine urine and to compare results of the optimal PCR assay with results of immunofluorescence, nucleic acid hybridization, and bacteriologic culture. ANIMALS: 6 heifers. PROCEDURE: Heifers were exposed to serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis by conjunctival instillation of 10(6) leptospires on 3 successive days. Urine samples were collected before and after infection. Sensitivity and specificity of 5 PCR assays were compared, to determine the optimal assay for use with bovine urine samples. The optimal PCR assay was then compared with results of bacteriologic culture, nucleic acid hybridization, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: A PCR assay with the best combination of specificity (100%) and sensitivity (91%) was selected for comparison with the other diagnostic tests. Sensitivity for nucleic acid hybridization was 55%, whereas sensitivity for bacteriologic culture and immunofluorescence was 89 to 93%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bacteriologic culture, PCR, and immunofluorescence were sensitive for detection of L borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjo-bovis in urine specimens of cattle, but a single technique was not the most sensitive for each animal tested. Therefore, the use of 2 techniques in combination is warranted for maximal sensitivity for diagnosis.

Animals↗

Clinical and pathologic comparison of acute leptospirosis in dogs caused by two strains of Leptospira kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method for inducing acute leptospirosis in dogs. ANIMALS: 31 nine-week-old female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Beagles were randomly assigned to 2 inoculation groups or a control group. Dogs were inoculated on 3 successive days by conjunctival instillation of 5 x 10(7) cells of Leptospira kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa strain 82 (12 dogs) or strain RM 52 (14 dogs). Control dogs (n = 5) were similarly inoculated with sterile leptospiral culture media. Clinical signs, clinicopathologic variables, anti-leptospiral antibody titers, and evidence of leptospires in tissues and body fluids were evaluated. Dogs were euthanatized and necropsied on days 7, 14, 22, or 28 after inoculation or as required because of severe illness. RESULTS: Clinical signs in infected dogs included conjunctivitis, lethargy, diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, and icterus. Consistent clinicopathologic alterations included azotemia, hyperphosphatemia, increased anion gap, hyperbilirubinemia, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity. Leptospires were cultured from the kidneys (11/12), urine (6/9), aqueous humor (9/12), blood (12/12), and liver (12/12) of dogs inoculated with strain 82. Only 3 of 14 dogs became infected after inoculation with strain RM 52. Histopathologic lesions in infected dogs included interstitial nephritis, renal tubular degeneration and necrosis, pulmonary hemorrhage, and hepatic edema and perivasculitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Conjunctival exposure to L kirschneri serovar grippotyphosa strain 82 resulted in acute leptospirosis in all inoculated dogs, but only 3 of 14 dogs inoculated with strain RM 52 became infected. This method of infection by serovar grippotyphosa can be used to study the pathogenesis and prevention of leptospirosis in dogs.

Animals↗

Experimental canine leptospirosis caused by Leptospira interrogans serovars pomona and bratislava.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate gross, histopathologic, and serum biochemical findings caused by Leptospira interrogans serovars pomona and bratislava inoculated in dogs. ANIMALS: Twenty-seven 8-week-old female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to challenge or control groups. Challenge groups were conjunctivally inoculated on 3 successive days with 5 x 10(7) L interrogans serovar pomona (n = 12) or serovar bratislava (11). Clinical signs were recorded throughout the experiment, and clinical pathology assays, bacteriologic culture, and necropsies (6 or 7 dogs necropsied at each time point) were done on postinoculation day (PID) 7, 10, 14, and 20. RESULTS: Infection could not be confirmed in any serovar bratislava-inoculated dog, and control dogs remained healthy throughout the experiment. Positive culture and fluorescent antibody test results were confirmed in 11 of 12 serovar pomona-inoculated dogs. Fever and lethargy starting at PID 7 were the most common clinical signs in serovar pomona-infected dogs. On day 10, gross lesions included multifocal renal and pulmonary hemorrhage and perirenal edema. Serovar pomona-inoculated dogs had histopathologic lesions including hepatitis, interstitial nephritis, and pneumonia at PID 7, 10, 14, and 20. Increases in BUN, anion gap, and bilirubin concentration occurred on PID 10, 14, and 20. Platelet counts in dogs with positive results of bacteriologic culture were decreased from baseline values on PID 10, 12, and 14. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Conjunctival inoculation with L interrogans serovar pomona resulted in a high rate of infection with concomitant hemorrhagic and inflammatory lesions of the kidneys, liver, and lungs.

Animals↗

Evaluation of antibiotics for treatment of cattle infected with Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate antibiotics for treatment of cattle with leptospirosis caused by Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. ANIMALS: 42 healthy mixed-breed cattle. PROCEDURE: Cattle were inoculated via conjunctival instillation with L. borgpetersenii serovar hardjo. After infection and urinary shedding of L. borgpetersenii were confirmed, cattle were treated with various antibiotics. To determine effectiveness of antibiotic treatment, urinary shedding of L. borgpetersenii was monitored for 4 to 6 weeks after administration of antibiotics, using darkfield microscopic examination, microbial culture, immunofluorescence testing, and a polymerase chain reaction assay. RESULTS: All inoculated cattle developed leptospirosis and shed leptospires in their urine. The following antibiotic treatments resulted in elimination of urinary shedding of leptospires: a single injection of oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg 19 mg/lb] of body weight, IM), tilmicosin (10 mg/kg [4.5 mg/lb], SC), or a combination product that contained dihydrostreptomycin-penicillin G (25 mg/kg [11.4 mg/lb], IM) or multiple injections of ceftiofur sodium (2.2 or 5 mg/kg [1 or 2.3 mg/lb], IM, once daily for 5 days, or 20 mg/kg, IM, once daily for 3 days). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Successful resolution of leptospirosis in cattle by administration of dihydrostreptomycin-penicillin G confirms results obtained by other investigators. Three other antibiotics (oxytetracycline, tilmicosin, and ceftiofur) also were effective for resolving leptospirosis and may be useful substitutes for dihydrostreptomycin, an antibiotic that is no longer available for use in food-producing animals in the United States. Cost, safety, and withdrawal times of these various treatment options need to be considered.

Animals↗

A pomona serogroup-specific, agglutinating antigen in Leptospira, identified by monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies were produced by hybridoma cell lines derived by fusion of mouse NS-1 myeloma cells with splenocytes from mice immunized with Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona. One hybridoma (A3) produced an IgG2a antibody which agglutinated all leptospires of the Pomona serogroup but not leptospires representative of serovars of any other serogroup. The antibody precipitated in immunodiffusions with either alkali- or phenol-extracted lipopolysaccharide and also with the TM antigen of Yanagawa et al., indicating a common determinant on both antigens. A3 antibody opsonized viable leptospires for phagocytosis by mouse macrophages in vitro.

Animals↗