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At least 793 records · Page 44Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

Survey of antibodies against various infectious disease agents in racing camels in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Prevalence of antibodies against some important disease agents in sera from racing camels in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) is reported. Antibodies against Brucella abortus were detected in 1.5% of racing camels, but only 0.76% had titres sufficient for the animals to be considered infected. The complement fixation test revealed antibodies against Coxiella burnetii (causative agent of Q fever) in 7.9% of camels (with a geometrical mean titre of 13) and against parainfluenza virus type 3 in 5.6% of camels (with a geometrical mean titre of 20). Serological evidence did not show the presence of Aspergillus spp., while antibodies against Leptospira interrogans were seen in 4.1% of camels. Antibodies against Echinococcus polymorphus were observed in 2.6% of the animals, while a large number of racing camels (30.9% and 36.4%) possessed antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, as determined by direct agglutination and indirect haemagglutination, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Placental transfer of specific antibodies during ovine congenital toxoplasmosis.

The passage of non-Toxoplasma antibodies from dam to fetus through damaged placenta was studied in sheep inoculated with Toxoplasma gondii. Six ewes were inoculated with chicken globulins and Leptospira bacterins 2 months before oral inoculation with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts. Ewes were euthanatized between 42 and 62 days after T gondii inoculation. Antibody titers against chicken globulins, Leptospira spp, Haemonchus contortus, Sarcocystis spp, and T gondii were measured in the maternal and fetal sera. All ewes became infected with T gondii and had grossly visible necrotic foci in the placentas, and T gondii antibodies were found in the fetuses and the ewes. Appreciable amounts of antibodies to Haemonchus contortus, Sarcocystis sp, Leptospira spp, and chicken globulins did not cross the placental barrier. Seemingly, serologic examination of the fetus was reliable for the diagnosis of ovine congential toxoplasmosis.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Chronic hepatitis associated with leptospiral infection in vaccinated beagles.

Sixteen juvenile Beagle dogs originating from a single breeding colony and regularly vaccinated against Leptospira interrogans (serogroups Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae) developed a clinical syndrome characterized by retarded growth, weight loss and often ascites. Over a 10-month period, post-mortem examinations were performed on all affected dogs. Gross lesions were confined to the liver which was often firm, tan-coloured and mottled. Microscopically, hepatic lesions ranged from those of severe chronic hepatitis to mild diffuse hepatocellular vacuolation, with bile stasis, occasional scattered lymphocytic aggregates and haemosiderin granulomas. Special stains and electron microscopy revealed spirochaetes within bile canaliculi. The genus Leptospira was recognized by immunohistochemical methods in nine dogs. Leptospires were isolated from six dogs, but serological tests failed to detect significant titres of antibody to L. interrogans in these animals. A serological survey of 37 kennelmates demonstrated that 20 dogs had high titres of serogroup Australis leptospiral antibody, which could not have resulted from vaccination. These findings strongly suggest a connection between the presence of leptospires and the hepatic lesions.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Leptospirotic etiology in pulmonary and upper respiratory tract pathology.

A number of 3,200 febrile patients who presented upon admission to hospital primary pulmonary or upper respiratory tract impairment either as single forms of manifestation or associated to other syndromes were tested. The cases were screened by the rapid slide agglutination reaction with heat inactivated Patoc antigen and leptospirotic etiology was confirmed by the ultramicroscopic agglutination reaction with 18 live circulating pathogenic antigens. 64 leptospirosis cases with pulmonary impairment were confirmed and in 52 cases the upper respiratory tract was involved. Particular aspects of leptospirosis with pulmonary impairment: 71.8% of cases had a clinical diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia; 89% of cases presented important chest x-ray modifications; in an approximately equal number of cases the pulmonary involvement was the single manifestation or was associated with other syndromes; icterohaemorrhagiae, wolffi and pomona were the frequently encountered infecting serotypes. Particular aspects for leptospirosis involving the upper respiratory tract: 84.6% of cases had a clinical diagnosis of acute rhino-pharyngotracheitis; in 86.5% of cases the upper respiratory tract impairment was the single feature; the infecting serotypes were in decreasing order of frequency as follows: icterohaemorrhagiae, pomona, wolffi, canicola, grippotyphosa.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Serologic survey for infectious pathogens in free-ranging American bison.

From November 1991 through March 1992, we evaluated 101 free-ranging American bison (Bison bison) from Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming (USA) for exposure to infectious organisms that commonly infect cattle. No titers were detected for bluetongue virus, bovine leukemia virus, or Campylobacter fetus in these 101 bison. Detectable antibodies occurred against Anaplasma marginale (eight of 76, 11%), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (31 of 101, 31%), bovine viral diarrhea (31 of 101, 31%), bovine herpesvirus 1 (29 of 76, 38%), Leptospira interrogans icterohaemorrhagiae (four of 101, 4%), L interrogans hardjo (seven of 101, 7%), L interrogans autumnalis (one of 101, 1%), L interrogans bratislava (seven of 101, 7%), L interrogans australis (one of 101, 1%), and parainfluenza 3 virus (27 of 75, 36%). The low antibody titers and the lack of gross lesions are evidence that while previous exposure to infectious organisms may have occurred, none appeared to have active infections.

Anaplasma↗
PubMed1977

Growth, virulence, and immunogenicity of Leptospira interrogans serotype szwajizak.

Leptospira interrogans serotype szwajizak was characterized by (1) its growth in polysorbate 80-bovine albumin medium, (2) its virulence and course of infection in laboratory animals, and (3) its immunogenicity. Growth of this organism was continuous and vigorous at 29 C and 37 C in liquid medium for 10 serial subcultures. Some specific lots of agar were superior to other agars if tested for the ability to support the growth of small inoculums. Individual colonies resulted from growth of small inoculums on solid polysorbate medium. Virulence of the organisms did not appear to be altered by 10 serial subcultures in liquid medium incubated at 29 C. The estimated median lethal dose of szwajizak for hamsters by the intraperitoneal route was 2 cells. Virulence, infectivity, and pathogenicity of szwajizak were shown in the hamster and the guinea pig. Protection results indicate the heat-inactivated szwajizak bacterin was a substantially better immunizing agent than the chemically inactivated bacterin. Serotype hardjo bacterins provided hamsters some protection against death if challenge exposed with szwajizak, but afforded no protection against infection.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Efficacy of viral components of a nonabortigenic combination vaccine for prevention of respiratory and reproductive system diseases in cattle.

Efficacy and safety of components of an IM-administered vaccine for prevention of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV), parainfluenza type-3 (PI-3) virus, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections and campylobacteriosis and leptospirosis were evaluated in cattle, including calves and pregnant cows. Challenge of immunity tests were conducted in calves for IBRV, PI-3 virus, or BVDV vaccinal components. All inoculated calves developed serum-neutralizing antibodies and had substantially greater protection (as measured by clinical rating systems) than did controls after challenge exposure to virulent strains of IBRV, PI-3 virus, BVDV, or RSV. In in utero tests, IBRV or bovine RSV vaccinal strains were inoculated into fetuses of pregnant cows. Histologic changes or abortions did not occur after fetal inoculation of the RSV vaccinal strain, and 10 of 14 fetuses responded serologically. Of 9 fetuses, one responded serologically to the IBRV vaccinal strain after in utero inoculation and was aborted 3 weeks later. In an immunologic interference test, 10 calves vaccinated with 2 doses of the multivalent vaccine, containing the 4 viral components and a Campylobacter-Leptospira bacterin, developed serum-neutralizing antibodies to IBRV, PI-3 virus, BVDV, and RSV without evidence of serologic interference. Under field conditions, 10,771 cattle, including 4,543 pregnant cows, were vaccinated. Vaccine-related abortions did not occur.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Leptospires in vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops Sabaeus) on Barbados.

Agglutinins to Leptospira were found at titers of greater than or equal to 1:100 in 150 of 501 (29.9%) vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus) bled within 1 mo of capture in Barbados. Including a further 34 of 145 bled within 1 yr of capture, the seropositivity prevalence was 28.5%. A further 35 monkeys (5.4%) had traces of agglutinins or gave titers of 1:50. The proportion of seropositive adults (41.5%) was more than twice that of seropositive immature monkeys (17.6%). Among adults, 49.2% of males and 35.7% of females were seropositive, while among juveniles proportions of seropositive males and females were similar (17.8% and 17.4%, respectively). Seropositivity prevalences tended to increase in proportion to rainfall. In each of 165 of the 184 positive sera, a single serogroup predominated in the serological reactions. These serogroups were Ballum (61%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (16%), Autumnalis (15%), Pyrogenes, Panama, Pomona, Tarassovi and Canicola (8% altogether). In the other 19 positive sera no single serogroup predominated. Serial bleeding showed that vervet monkeys can retain naturally-acquired antibodies to Leptospira for at least 2.5 yr. The evidence suggests that vervet monkeys in Barbados are transmitting leptospiral infections among themselves independently of other groups of animals, and are not a major source of human leptospirosis.

Agglutinins↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Leptospirosis patient with AIDS: the first case reported.

A case of renal icterohemorrhagic leptospirosis involving a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is reported. Despite the low levels of CD4+ T lymphocytes, the clinical course of leptospirosis was similar to that observed in non-immunodepressed patients, and no worsening of AIDS occurred due to the infection by the spirochete. Serologic conversion was observed in the microscopic agglutination test, with maximum titer of 1:3,200. The patient had positive urine cultures for Leptospira interrogans for two months, whereas blood cultures were negative.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗
PubMed2003

An institutional outbreak of leptospirosis in Chennai, South India.

The emergence of an outbreak of leptospirosis in a nurses' hostel in Chennai presented a challenge to identify and control the source of the outbreak. Sixty-nine residents and staff members were interviewed to assess exposure factors. Blood samples from the acute and convalescent patients were tested with the Microscopic Agglutination Test using the serovars prevalent in Chennai. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was conducted on serum and water samples. Based on preliminary investigation, control measures with standard hygienic measures were instituted. The attack rate was 35%. The epidemic curve suggested continuous or intermittent exposure to infection over a five-week period. Twenty residents (three asymptomatic) developed laboratory confirmed Leptospira icterohemorrhagiae. Residents collected water from an underground storage tank that was filled twice weekly from a mobile water tanker with a bucket on a rope, and the tank was usually left open. PCR tests confirmed the presence of leptospires from this water. Other control measures included cleaning the large backyard with its many stray dogs and rats, chlorinating water supplies, boiling drinking water and health education. No further cases occurred twelve days after implementing control measures. Access to clean water, not only for drinking but also for bathing, brushing and washing is essential to prevent water-borne outbreaks.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Leptospirosis in the Province of Santa Fé, Argentina. Epidemiologic, clinical and socioeconomic description].

Leptospirosis is produced by a bacteria belonging to the Leptospira genus. Water contaminated with this germ which comes from the urine of infected animals is an excellent source of infection for mammals. It gets into the human body through the skin or mucus. The aims of this work were to describe the cases that occurred during the first five months of 2001, and to determine the causes of this phenomenon. There was a total of 49 patients confirmed by the laboratory, 39 of whom completed the epidemiologic form; 24 of whom were over 15 years of age, 19 were male cases, 13 of whom involved in semiurban jobs; 82% presented fever, 74.3% headaches: 71.8% mialgias and 48.7% presented the conjunctivitis shot; 61.5% showed a flu syndrome, 20.5% a meningeal, and 18.5% respiratory and renal syndrome. These patients had a low level of education, with unstable jobs and lots of rodents in or near their houses. The structure of these houses was precarious, with a deficient system of water drainage. Fifty percent of the patients had primary instruction, 11.1% secondary instruction, one was illiterate, and none had gone to university. Patients coming from rural areas (an outbreak), belonged to a higher social and economic condition and had got infected through exposure in relation with their jobs. Sources of infection in the rural patients were different from those of the urban patients: in the former they were related to the presence of rodents, which related to the type of work, while in the urban cases they had to do with the poverty of their living conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Results of studies with aborted cattle fetuses].

The laboratory of the Animal Health Service of South Holland investigated 2410 cases of spontaneous abortion (twins (112) were considered one case). Seventy-eight afterbirths without foetuses were also examined. The aim of the study was not only to find the cause of abortion but also to see whether there was a relation between the results of the different bacteriological, virological and histological tests used. The presence of IgG in the blood of foetuses older than 5 months was also determined. A micro-organism was isolated from 25% of the foetuses. On the basis of results of other tests, it is probable that microbial infection played a role in a further 21% of the abortions. BHV was isolated in 2.5% of the cases. Actinomyces pyogenes was found in 6% of the foetuses and fungi in 3.5%. More infections with Actinomyces pyogenes, Listeria monocytogenes and fungi were observed when the cattle were kept indoors. It is emphasised that both foetuses as well as placental membranes should be examined, and both foetuses of twins. In stable enzooties in the Netherlands, the following infections should be taken into consideration: Brucella abortus, BHV, BVD, Chlamydia psittaci and Leptospira hardjo. The authors stress the need for a more standardised approach to research, the more so because the results could have consequences not only for monitoring activities (checks for Br. abortus) but also for liability.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed2004

Genome features of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni.

We report novel features of the genome sequence of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni, a highly invasive spirochete. Leptospira species colonize a significant proportion of rodent populations worldwide and produce life-threatening infections in mammals. Genomic sequence analysis reveals the presence of a competent transport system with 13 families of genes encoding for major transporters including a three-member component efflux system compatible with the long-term survival of this organism. The leptospiral genome contains a broad array of genes encoding regulatory system, signal transduction and methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins, reflecting the organism's ability to respond to diverse environmental stimuli. The identification of a complete set of genes encoding the enzymes for the cobalamin biosynthetic pathway and the novel coding genes related to lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis should bring new light to the study of Leptospira physiology. Genes related to toxins, lipoproteins and several surface-exposed proteins may facilitate a better understanding of the Leptospira pathogenesis and may serve as potential candidates for vaccine.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

The pathogenisis of leptospirosis II. Jaundice in experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs.

Different mechanisms responsible for the appearance of jaundice in leptospirosis caused by Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae in guinea pigs were discussed. Hepatocellular damage was demonstrated with the presence to a lesser extent of intrahepatic biliary obstruction. A massive destruction of extravascular red blood cells liberated by the hemorrhagic diathesis, appeared to be the main cause in the genesis of jaundice. The latter was inhibited following the neutralization of the reticuloendothelial system of guinea pigs by an irradiation before the infection.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Pathogenic Leptospira species express surface-exposed proteins belonging to the bacterial immunoglobulin superfamily.

Proteins with bacterial immunoglobulin-like (Big) domains, such as the Yersinia pseudotuberculosis invasin and Escherichia coli intimin, are surface-expressed proteins that mediate host mammalian cell invasion or attachment. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a new family of Big domain proteins, referred to as Lig (leptospiral Ig-like) proteins, in pathogenic Leptospira. Screening of L. interrogans and L. kirschneri expression libraries with sera from leptospirosis patients identified 13 lambda phage clones that encode tandem repeats of the 90 amino acid Big domain. Two lig genes, designated ligA and ligB, and one pseudogene, ligC, were identified. The ligA and ligB genes encode amino-terminal lipoprotein signal peptides followed by 10 or 11 Big domain repeats and, in the case of ligB, a unique carboxy-terminal non-repeat domain. The organization of ligC is similar to that of ligB but contains mutations that disrupt the reading frame. The lig sequences are present in pathogenic but not saprophytic Leptospira species. LigA and LigB are expressed by a variety of virulent leptospiral strains. Loss of Lig protein and RNA transcript expression is correlated with the observed loss of virulence during culture attenuation of pathogenic strains. High-pressure freeze substitution followed by immunocytochemical electron microscopy confirmed that the Lig proteins were localized to the bacterial surface. Immunoblot studies with patient sera found that the Lig proteins are a major antigen recognized during the acute host infection. These observations demonstrate that the Lig proteins are a newly identified surface protein of pathogenic Leptospira, which by analogy to other bacterial immunoglobulin superfamily virulence factors, may play a role in host cell attachment and invasion during leptospiral pathogenesis.

Amino Acid Sequence↗