Leptospirosis Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Timely diagnosis of leptospirosis is important to ensure a favorable clinical outcome. The definitive serologic assay, the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), requires paired sera and is not useful for guiding early clinical management. The only screening test approved for use in the United States, the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), has not undergone extensive field evaluation. To assess the performance of the leptospirosis IHA in Hawaii, serum from patients evaluated for leptospirosis between 1992 and 1997 were tested with the IHA at the Hawaii State Laboratories Division and with the MAT at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Leptospirosis was considered confirmed by a fourfold rise in MAT titer and/or a positive culture. A total of 92 (41%) of 226 specimens from 114 persons with confirmed leptospirosis were found positive by IHA. Only 18 (15%) of 119 specimens obtained within 14 days of onset were IHA positive, compared to 74 (69%) of 107 specimens collected more than 14 days after onset (P <0.001). Repeat testing ultimately resulted in 78 (68%) of the confirmed cases having at least one specimen found positive by IHA. Thirteen different presumptive infecting serogroups were identified among 251 specimens with an MAT titer of >200 and obtained from persons with confirmed or probable leptospirosis. Fifty (68%) of 73 specimens with Icterohaemorrhagiae as the presumptive infecting serogroup were found positive by IHA, compared to 44 (47%) of 93 specimens with Australis as the presumptive infecting serogroup (P, 0.01). The IHA test was positive for 3 (1%) of 236 specimens from 154 persons without leptospirosis. The sensitivity of the leptospirosis IHA in Hawaii was substantially below figures reported previously, particularly early in the course of illness, limiting its usefulness for diagnosing acute infection. Since the presumptive infecting serogroup affected IHA results and the prevalence of serovars varies with geography, the performance of the IHA should be assessed locally. More sensitive leptospirosis screening tests are needed in Hawaii.

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- Clinical Microbiology, Biological Sciences, United States, Clinical
- by Sergio Setubal
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- Computed Tomography, Tuberculosis, Developing Country, Differential Diagnosis

In Malaysia, leptospirosis is considered an endemic disease, with sporadic outbreaks following rainy or flood seasons. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a new knowledge, attitude, belief and practice (KABP) questionnaire on leptospirosis for use in urban and rural populations in Malaysia. The questionnaire comprised development and validation stages. The development phase encompassed a literature review, expert panel review, focus-group testing, and evaluation. The validation phase consisted of exploratory and confirmatory parts to verify the psychometric properties of the questionnaire. A total of 214 and 759 participants were recruited from two Malaysian states, Kelantan and Selangor respectively, for the validation phase. The participants comprised urban and rural communities with a high reported incidence of leptospirosis. The knowledge section of the validation phase utilized item response theory (IRT) analysis. The attitude and belief sections utilized ex...

- by Rukman Hamat
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- Psychometrics, Malaysia, Leptospirosis, Public health systems and services research

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between seropositivity for the most frequent Leptospira serovars and reproductive losses in sows in Brazil. Serum samples from 351 sows from 18 herds (in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) with low reproductive efficiency were tested (microscopic agglutination) for antibodies against serovars of Leptospira. Antibodies were detected in serum samples of 66.1% of all sows, most frequently serovar icterohaemorrhagiae (43.1%), followed by pomona (18.1%) and tarassovi (9.9%). Seroreactivity to icterohaemorrhagiae and pomona were associated (P < 0.05) with impaired reproductive performance (and substantial economic loss). Seroreactivity for pomona was associated (P < 0.05) with stillborn piglets and mummified fetuses, whereas seroreactivity to icterohaemorrhagiae was associated (P < 0.05) with the number of piglets born dead. #

- by Guilherme Souza
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- Reproduction, Brazil, Theriogenology, Biological Sciences

Background. Acute kidney injury (AKI) has increasingly been recognized as an important public health issue due to its rising frequency, its associations with early and late adverse outcomes and its economic burden. Methods. Given the importance of determining the available resources to address this serious issue, the AKI Committee of SLANH conducted a survey to obtain information about infrastructure, human resources and equipment devoted to the treatment of AKI in Latin America Results. A total of 246 units from 14 countries participated in the survey, the majority of them pertaining to nephrology divisions in teaching hospitals. Intermittent hemodialysis was universally performed by all of the units, and less frequently, slow extended dialysis (40%) and continuous renal replacement therapy (23%) were performed. Seventy-nine units (30%) perform peritoneal dialysis, but only 51 (19%) of them reported having treated at least 1 patient with this technique in the last 3 months pre-survey. The vast majority of the units reported adequate water treatment and use of modern filter membranes. Most of the patients received renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the intensive care unit. Specific causes of AKI were reported in different frequencies, with a heterogeneous pattern among the countries. Septic abortion, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, community-acquired diarrhea and leptospirosis were the etiologies most frequently associated with AKI. Conclusions. To our knowledge, this report was the first available study of the equipment and human resources utilized for RRT in AKI patients in Latin America.

- by Raul Lombardi
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- Acute kidney injury, Diarrhea, Latin America, Human Resources for Health

O presente trabalho foi realizado no âmbito do estudo Panorama do Saneamento Básico no Brasil, apresenta e discute como os casos notificados ao Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) podem representar deficiência no atendimento das componentes do saneamento básico -manejo das águas pluviais e drenagem urbana, e manejo de resíduos sólidos e limpeza urbana. Os dados permitem identificar localidades suscetíveis a leptospirose, portanto, unidades federadas mais vulneráveis a alagamentos e inundações, e susceptíveis à reprodução de roedores transmissores da leptospirose.

- by Luiz Roberto Santos Moraes
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- Environmental Health, Leptospirosis, Basic Sanitation

The seroprevalence of three bacterial re-emerging diseases namely brucellosis, leptospirosis and melioidosis was investigated in farmers and technical staff of Selangor and Negeri Sembilan. The study found that the highest seroprevalence for both Selangor and Negeri Sembilan was among the farmers with seroprevalence of 5.05% ± 2.15 and 5.88% ± 3.7 respectively. Among the technical staff, the highest seroprevalence for the disease was observed among the staff in Negeri Sembilan. Antibodies against Leptospira spp was the most commonly detected among the three pathogens. Knowledge of the mode of transmission of zoonotic infections may have been an advantage for the technical staff in preventing exposure to these pathogens.

crackles (OR = 5.17, p = 0.0016) and direct bilirubin levels (OR = 1.051, p = 0.04). Mortality was significantly higher in olig uric than nonoliguric (27 vs. 8%, p ! 0.001). Renal function at discharge was similar in oliguric and nonoliguric patients. Conclusion: Age higher than 40 years, hyponatremia, elevated serum creatinine, low arterial pH, high levels of AST, crackles and direct bilirubin levels would be useful to early identify patients with oliguric AKI in leptospirosis.

- by Oswaldo Gutiérrez-adrianzén and +2
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- Acute kidney injury, Brazil, Zoonoses, Adolescent

As part of conservation efforts between 1997 and 2001, more than 25% (332 animals) of the endangered Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) population was sampled in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to viruses, bacteria, and parasites known to cause morbidity and mortality in other marine mammal species. Antibodies were found to phocine herpesvirus-1 by using

- by John Reif
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- Zoology, Toxoplasma, Communicable Diseases, Toxoplasma gondii
- by Tiwa Kampeera
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- Leptospirosis

Background: Activated monocytes/macrophages and T-lymphocytes that produce a cytokine 3 storm are assumed to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis dengue. Interleukin(IL)-18 is a 4 pro-inflammatory cytokine that is increased during dengue and known to induce 5 interferon(IFN)-γ, which is crucial for dengue-immune response. No data are available 6 regarding the balance between IL-18 and its natural inhibitor IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP), 7 and how they interact within the inflammatory reaction of patients with dengue infections. 8 Methods: Circulating levels of IL-18, IL-18BP, free biologically active IL-18, the IL-18-9 dependent pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ, monocyte-derived cytokines, and ferritin were 10 assessed in adult Indonesian dengue patients (n=95). Healthy individuals (n=22), 11 leptospirosis (n=19) and enteric fever patients (n=6) served as controls. 12 Results: Total IL-18 levels were increased during dengue, leptospirosis and enteric fever 13 compared to healthy controls. However, due to a concurrent increase in IL-18BP levels, 14 biologically active IL-18 levels remained similar in the different phases of dengue and in 15 patients with leptospirosis. Biologically active IL-18 levels were also similar in patients with 16 severe and non-severe dengue. 17 Discussion: High total IL-18 and IL-18BP levels concur in dengue virus infections, 18 leptospirosis and enteric fever. This resulted in unchanged levels of free, biologically active 19 IL-18 in dengue and leptospirosis, which underlines the importance to measure both IL-18 20 and IL-18BP when studying the role of IL-18 in diseases. 21 22 3

- by Charles Dinarello and +1
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- Immunology, Indonesia, Adolescent, Prospective studies

Lyme disease which is caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, is a multisystemic disease that involves skin, joints, cardiovascular and central nervous system, leading to chronic inflammatory response and late complications. First lyme cases have been reported after 1990's in Turkey and the spirochete was isolated from the tick vectors. In this case series three human Lyme cases confirmed with not only serological tests but also growth in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly medium were presented for the first time in Turkey. Two of these three cases were residents in Istanbul while the third one has acquired the infection in USA (imported case). First case was a previously healthy 46 years old male, admitted to the state hospital with the complaints of diarrheae, chills, nausea, vomiting, cough, sputum production and widespread myalgias. The patient was a chronic alcohol consumer with a history of frequent visits to the forest areas. The laboratory test results revealed hepatonephriti...

- by E. Polat
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- Turkey, Medicine, Lyme disease, Travel

Objectives -This case series describes 5 dogs with small intestinal intussusception and acute kidney injury due to infection with Leptospira interrogans serovar Australis. Case Series Summary -Small intestinal intussusception was observed in 4 dogs diagnosed with acute kidney injury due to leptospirosis presented between 1997 and 2005. Intussusception was diagnosed at initial presentation or later during hospitalization. An additional dog fulfilling our inclusion criteria was presented to a small animal specialty clinic nearby and was included. Upon admission, all dogs were severely azotemic and thrombocytopenic. All 5 dogs showed the strongest microscopic agglutination test serology reaction to L. interrogans serovar Australis. Two dogs survived with no apparent residual renal damage, 1 survived with subsequent mild chronic kidney disease, and 2 dogs were euthanized at the owners' request due to a guarded prognosis. New or Unique Information Provided -Intussusception can occur or may be seen in dogs with leptospirosis due to L. interrogans serovar Australis and patients should be monitored closely for this potential complication. As all 5 dogs described in this case series showed the highest titer for L. interrogans serovar Australis, these precautions may be especially applied in geographic areas where this particular serovar is seen.

The objective was to characterize vaginal bacteria in ewes with vaginitis. Intravaginal sponges impregnated with medroxyprogesterone were used to synchronize estrus in 22 multiparous Santa Inês ewes. At sponge removal (6 days later), all ewes had clinical signs of vaginitis. Purulent vaginal secretions were subjected to standard bacteriological procedures, including determining whether isolates were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, cefalotin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, nitrofurantoin, ampicillin, penicillin G, and amoxicillin. The majority of the isolates were coliforms (72.7% Escherichia coli and 18.2% Klebsiella pneumoniae), whereas the remainder were Staphylococcus aureus. Antimicrobial resistance was common, with all isolates resistant to at least one compound. Ciprofloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole were the most effective (100% susceptibility), whereas penicillins (including broad-spectrum penicillins), were the least effective (80-100% resistance). In conclusion, pathogenic bacteria, mainly coliforms, were present in association with vaginitis in ewes given intravaginal sponges; all isolates were susceptibile to at least some antimicrobials.

- by Gabriel Martins
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- Leptospirosis, Leptospira, Small Ruminants

Leptospirosis is the most wide spread zoonosis worldwide; it is present in all continents except Antarctica and evidence for the carriage of Leptospira has been found in virtually all mammalian species examined. Humans most commonly become infected through occupational, recreational, or domestic contact with the urine of carrier animals, either directly or via contaminated water or soil. Leptospires are thin, helical bacteria classified into at least 12 pathogenic and 4 saprophytic species, with more than 250 pathogenic serovars. Immunity following infection is generally, but not exclusively, mediated by antibody against leptospiral LPS and restricted to antigenically related serovars. Vaccines currently available consist of killed whole cell bacterins which are used widely in animals, but less so in humans. Current work with recombinant protein antigens shows promise for the development of vaccines based on defined protective antigens. The cellular and molecular basis for virulence remains poorly understood, but comparative genomics of pathogenic and saprophytic species suggests that Leptospira expresses unique virulence determinants. However, the recent development of defined mutagenesis systems for Leptospira heralds the potential for gaining a much improved understanding of pathogenesis in leptospirosis.

A commercially available slide agglutination test (SAT) for the diagnosis of human leptospirosis was evaluated by comparing it to an immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). For all 108 patients, leptospirosis was diagnosed on the basis of a fourfold or greater increase in titer by MAT (seroconversion), and all but 1 of 245 controls were MAT negative (titers, <1:100). Both SAT and the IgM ELISA failed to detect one case of infection (sensitivity, 99%). Only 3 of 145 blood donors and none of the 100 patients with other illnesses were SAT positive (specificity, 99%). The overall results were similar for the three tests; however, SAT and ELISA were statistically more sensitive as initial screening tests. For 22% of the patients, the diagnosis of leptospirosis was made earlier by SAT than by MAT. SAT detected 27 (44%) of 62 MAT-negative patients with the first serum sample. ELISA and SAT had very similar results...

- by Marcos Silva
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- Kinetics, Adolescent, Clinical Microbiology, Biological Sciences

cases of severe leptospirosis were confirmed on Barbados (range for 1980Barbados (range for -1991; mean 32.7; incidence 13.3/100,000/year). For the six-year periods 1980-1985 and 1986-1991 there was no significant change in incidence with time. Incidence is unlikely to change significantly in the next decade. Monthly average case numbers ranged from 1.4 (July) to 4.3 (November). The average (2.8) for June to December (the 7 wetter months) was not significantly higher than that (2.5) for January to May (the 5 drier months). The age range was 7-86. There were three times as many male cases (302) as female , and nearly 10 times as many in those <35. Although the highest number of cases (69) was in males aged 15-24, the highest incidence was in the older age groups, particularly the male 65-74 year-olds, and the female 55-64 year-olds. Leptospirosis was the proven cause of death in 55 (13.8%) hospital patients (annual range 0-13, mean Key words: Leptospires, Leptospirosis 4.5). Some of a further 39 fatalities might have been cases. Death from leptospirosis was nearly twice as common among the women as among the men. Only one patient under 20 years of age died. Leptospira were isolated and identified from 117 (29.4%) of the 398 sick patients. The infecting organisms were bim (serogroup Autumnalis -75), copenhageni (Icterohaemorrhagiae -26), arborea and bajan (Australis -2). These infecting serovars could not be distinguished clinically, but infection was milder in children than in adults. Despite its predominance in surveyed children, serogroup Panama was virtually absent in this study. Rainfall is the major factor affecting the distribution of cases; not surprisingly, sanitation workers and agricultural workers appear to be the groups at highest risk. The general lack of clear-cut risk factors reflects the ubiquity of leptospires in the environment and the fact that the disease is not entirely occupational.

- by Charles Edwards
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- Adolescent, Child, Barbados, Infant
- by siska fiany
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- Public Health, Leptospirosis, Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
- by ars javanica
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- Genetics, Public Health, Costa Rica, Latin America

Background: Water-related, including waterborne, diseases remain important sources of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but particularly in developing countries. The potential for changes in disease associated with predicted anthropogenic climate changes make water-related diseases a target for prevention. Methods: We provide an overview of evidence on potential future changes in water-related disease associated with climate change. Results: A number of pathogens are likely to present risks to public health, including cholera, typhoid, dysentery, leptospirosis, diarrhoeal diseases and harmful algal blooms (HABS). The risks are greatest where the climate effects drive population movements, conflict and disruption, and where drinking water supply infrastructure is poor. The quality of evidence for water-related disease has been documented. Conclusions: We highlight the need to maintain and develop timely surveillance and rapid epidemiological responses to outbreaks and emergence of new waterborne pathogens in all countries. While the main burden of waterborne diseases is in developing countries, there needs to be both technical and financial mechanisms to ensure adequate quantities of good quality water, sewage disposal and hygiene for all. This will be essential in preventing excess morbidity and mortality in areas that will suffer from substantial changes in climate in the future.

- by Iain Lake and +1
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- Climate Change, Public Health, Risks, Leptospirosis
- by Ainuz Zahrah
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- Leptospirosis

Rats, dogs, cattle, bats and sea lions, exemplify the diversity of mammalian species that can facilitate transmission of the zoonotic disease leptospirosis. The causative agent, pathogenic species of Leptospira, is shed in urine of chronically infected hosts. Direct contact with infected urine, or indirectly with water sources contaminated with infected urine, poses a risk of infection for humans exposed during water-related recreational and occupational activities. New serovars of Leptospira and maintenance hosts continue to be identified. In the western world, incidences of recreational exposure are increasing, while incidences of occupational exposure are decreasing. Adventure travellers returning from tropical regions, are presenting at clinics with symptoms of leptospirosis following participation in high risk activities including white water rafting, triathlons, endurance races and caving. Risks of infection can be reduced with increased awareness of how the disease is contracted, by avoiding contact with high risk water sources and the use of prophylaxis during high risk activities. Molecular techniques can be used to provide risk assessments prior to competition, to supplement epidemiology, and to assess shedding of Leptospira in urine samples.

- by Jarlath Nally
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- Water, Risk, Agriculture, Rivers

Leptospirosis is an acute septicemic illness that affects humans in all parts of the world. Approximately 10% of patients with leptospirosis develop severe disease, the Weil syndrome, with jaundice, acute kidney injury (AKI), and pulmonary hemorrhage. Leptospirosis-induced AKI is typically nonoliguric with a high frequency of hypokalemia. Experimental and clinical studies demonstrated that tubular function alterations precede a drop in the glomerular filtration rate and are mainly in the proximal tubule. Studies in humans and animals have demonstrated a decrease in the expression of proximal sodium (NHE3) and water tubular transporter, aquaporin 1 (AQP1) together with higher renal expression of the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter NKCC2. In an experimental model, at the initial phase of the disease, the expression of AQP2, the water transport of the collecting duct, is decreased, which explains the higher incidence of nonoliguric AKI. During the recovery phase of AKI, AQP2 expression increased in human and animals as a compensatory mechanism. Alveolar hemorrhage, pulmonary edema, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or a combination of these features may accompany AKI and is associated with high mortality. Studies with hamsters demonstrated that in leptospirosis a noncardiogenic pulmonary edema occurs consequently to a decrease in the clearance of alveolar fluid, due to a decrease in sodium transporter in the luminal membrane (ENaC) and an increase in the NKCC1 basolateral membrane transporter. Antibiotic treatment is efficient in the early and late/severe phases and revert all kidney transporters. Early and daily hemodialysis, low daily net fluid intake, and lung-protective strategies are recommended for critically ill patients with leptospirosis.

- by Antonio Seguro
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- Acute kidney injury, Shock, Acute Lung Injury, Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is re-emerging as a worldwide zoonosis and is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Human leptospirosis is associated with high temperature and humidity. Laboratory tests are indispensible for the early diagnosis and proper disease management. The demand for suitable leptospirosis point-of-care diagnostic tests grows with the awareness and number of incidences. Confirmation is achieved by the microscopic agglutination test, bacterial cultivation, PCR or histopathologic methods. However, high costs, poor standardization and/or elaborate sample preparation prevent routine use at the point of care. Cost-efficient, but insensitive serological methods dominate the diagnostic landscape and, likewise, urgently need improvement toward greater compliance with some of the point-of-care criteria. Combined application of antigen and antibody detection methods increases accuracy, but also new development or transfer of diagnostic technologies should be considered useful. Nano...

- by Galayanee Doungchawee
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- Immunology, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Leptospirosis, Leptospira

South and Southeast Asia and Latin American together comprise 46 countries and are home to approximately 40% of the world population. The sociopolitical and economic heterogeneity, tropical climate, and malady transitions characteristic of the region strongly influence disease behavior and health care delivery. Acute kidney injury epidemiology mirrors these inequalities. In addition to hospital-acquired acute kidney injury in tertiary care centers, these countries face a large preventable burden of community-acquired acute kidney injury secondary to tropical infectious diseases or animal venoms, affecting previously healthy young individuals. This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical picture, prevention, risk factors, and pathophysiology of acute kidney injury associated with tropical diseases (malaria, dengue, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, and yellow fever) and animal venom (snakes, bees, caterpillars, spiders, and scorpions) in tropical regions of Asia and Latin America, and discusses the potential future challenges due to emerging issues.

- by Vivekanand Jha
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- Climate Change, Malaria, Tropical Medicine, Acute kidney injury

Leptospirosis is an emerging disease; affecting animals, humans and the natural environment, it is a "one health threat". In spite of its global distribution, its epidemic potential due to climate/ environment changes, its high human mortality rate and socio economic burden, this zoonosis is neglected. For mobilizing more investments in its prevention and control, a global multi-disciplinary and multi-sector network called "Global Leptospirosis Environmental Action Network, "(GLEAN) has been established. is article reports recent expert's discussions on prevention and control strategies, based on a One Health concept. It provides an innovative agenda for operational research and for veterinary and public health cooperation.

- by Steven Belmain
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- Public Health, Zoonosis, One Health, Leptospirosis

All over the world, leptospirosis has been reported as one of the major causes of reproductive failure in cattle and other ruminants, determining abortions, stillbirth, weak newborns and decrease in their growth rate and milk production. Nevertheless, despite its importance, it is still a challenging disease, from what scarce information about epidemiology, prophylaxis and control is available nowadays. During the last decades of the last century, many epidemiological studies have been conducted in several countries, mainly based on serology. According to those studies, a seroepidemiological scenario has been stated for different regions, where different serovars were reported for cattle. Nevertheless, a huge problem is that, when efforts are made in order to increase the collection of local strains (isolates), it has been demonstrated that the scenario that emerges from those studies contrasts with those previously determined by serology. Despite the large number of serological stu...

- by Gabriel Martins
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- Epidemiology, Australia, Developing Countries, Pregnancy

HASIL DAN ALTERNATIF PENYELESAIAN MASALAH

- by Agus Handoyo, S.KM
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- Laporan, Leptospirosis, Laporan Magang, Kesehatan Masyarakat

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of three rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for typhoid fever in febrile hospitalized patients in Bangladesh. Febrile adults and children admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh were investigated with: BactAlert(®) blood cultures; real-time PCR to detect S.enterica typhi and paratyphi A; and assays for Rickettsia, leptospirosis and dengue fever. Acute serum samples were examined with the LifeAssay (LA) Test-it(™) Typhoid IgM lateral flow assay detecting IgM antibodies against S. typhi O antigen; CTKBiotech Onsite Typhoid IgG/IgM Combo Rapid-test cassette lateral flow assay detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against S. typhi O and H antigens; and SD Bioline line assay for IgG and IgM antibodies against S. typhi proteins. In 300 malaria smear negative febrile patients (median (IQR) age of 13.5 (5-31) years) 34 (11.3%) had confirmed typhoid fever: 19 positive by blood culture for S. typhi (3 blood PCR positive); 15 blood culture negativ...

- by rasheda samad
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- Bangladesh, Adolescent, Tropical medicine (Health Sciences), Child

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection of zoonotic character, which causes abortion, stillbirth, infertility and milk yield losses and is very important for livestock economically. In this study was aimed to diagnose and compare the abortion cases with leptospirosis in ruminants coming to Pendik Veterinary Control Institute from the provinces and districts of Marmara region between 2013-2018 by immunohistochemical (IHC) and Levaditi methods and to compare with histopathological findings. A total of 1252 aborted fetuses; 750 lambs, 218 kids and 284 calves from 12 different provinces were used as materials. After the necropsies of the fetuses, the samples taken from the internal organs were routinely followed and stained with hematoxylin eosin. In addition, leptospira agents were searched by IHC and Levaditi methods from kidneys, liver and lungs.In the study, macroscopically, some fetuses showed subcutaneous edema and fluid accumulation in body cavities, icterus and miliary necrosis foci in the liver, but most had autolytic changes. Microscopic examination revealed periaciner necrosis in liver and necrosis and hyaline cylinders in renal tubules. Positive staining was observed in 160 of 1252 fetus samples in IHC staining and Levaditi staining of IHC positive samples revealed 108 positive staining. Levaditi staining method was used to determine the agent only in kidney tissue, but not in the liver and lung. However, positive results were obtained in liver, kidney and lung by IHC method. As a result, the abortion rate of leptospirosis in ruminants was determined as 12,77% in Marmara region of Turkey. In the diagnosis of leptospirosis, IHC method is more sensitive than Levaditi staining method. As a result of this study, it has been shown that leptospirosis has an important place in abortions in ruminants in Marmara Region of Turkey and it is concluded that raising awareness about the disease and vaccination will be very effective in combating the disease.

- by Fatih Hatipoglu
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- Pathology, Immunohistochemistry, Abortion, Zoonosis
- by Eva Purnamayanti
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- Environmental Health, Public Health, Leptospirosis, Vector control

A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers from the LipL32 sequence of Leptospira spp. was used to detect shedding of pathogenic leptospires in urine from naturally infected cattle. Amplicons (497 bp) were obtained from 21 pathogenic reference serovars belonging to four species (L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, L. santarosai, L. kirschneri). DNA was amplified from 26/30 urine samples taken from cattle with suspected leptospirosis and from leptospires cultivated from 10 of these samples. The limit of detection of DNA in the clinical samples was 200 pg and the nested PCR detected all pathogenic reference serovars of Leptospira spp. tested. No PCR products were amplified using DNA from other common bacterial species from the bovine urogenital tract or urine, or from the non-pathogenic L. biflexa Andamana serovar. The nested PCR exhibited high specificity and sensitivity for detection of pathogenic serovars in urine from cattle.

- by maria bomfim
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- Veterinary, Biological Sciences, Urine, Leptospirosis

The susceptibility of Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae strain Verdun to selected antibiotics used in medical practice (ampicillin, doxycycline, and ofloxacin) was evaluated in a Syrian hamster model, to determine the efficacy of these antibiotics during the course of the disease. A quantitative PCR assay was used to monitor the density of leptospires in blood and in target organs (liver, kidney, lung, heart, and spleen). Our results demonstrated the ability of ampicillin at a high dose (100 mg/kg of body weight) to clear leptospires from the host, except from kidneys and heart, where 10 2 leptospires/g remained at day 6. Ofloxacin (30 mg/kg) was unable to clear bacteria from blood or kidneys. With doxycycline (10 mg/kg), the clearance of leptospires occurred in 2 days in all the target organs studied, with the exception of liver, which required 3 days. Our data demonstrate the value of monitoring the kinetics of experimental leptospiral infection in order to accurately evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics. We have demonstrated the potential value of doxycycline for the treatment of leptospirosis cases, except in circumstances where it is contraindicated. This experimental model could be used to define better therapeutic strategies for human leptospirosis, by testing associations or new formulations of antibiotics.

- by Fabrice Merien and +1
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- Microbiology, Immune response, Kinetics, Medical Microbiology
- by Mükremin Özkan ARSLAN
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- Sheep, Leptospirosis, Cattle, Blood and intestinal parasites

Inadequate management practices and poor reproductive performance have been reported as fundamental factors on reducing the levels of productivity in livestock. Different pathogens have been reported in small ruminants' herds/ flocks with reproductive failures. The aim of the present study was to review aspects of leptospirosis in small ruminants, mainly its impact on reproduction and consequently on productivity of the herds/flocks under tropical conditions. Leptospiral infection in goats and sheep is common in several countries, and those species can also act as carriers of leptospires. Severe disease is often associated to young animals and is frequently associated to incidental serovars. In contrast, subclinical infection is mainly characterized by reproductive problems, such as infertility, abortion, occurrence of stillbirths, and weak lambs/goat kids. Moreover, laboratorial tests are essential to achieve an accurate diagnosis of the infection. Microscopic agglutination test is the most common indirect test of leptospirosis, being used worldwide. In small ruminants, PCR consists on a recommendable method for diagnosing animals that carry leptospires. Control of leptospirosis in small ruminants involves measures such as the identification and treatment of the carriers and other sources of infection, quarantine in acquired animals, and systematic immunization with commercial vaccines containing the circulating serovars in the herd/flock. Productivity of small ruminant breeding can dramatically increase with adequate sanitary conditions and control of leptospirosis. Immunization of all the animals combined to the treatment of carriers may successfully control the infection and importantly reduce the economic reproductive hazards that are observed under tropical conditions.

- by Gabriel Martins
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- Sheep, Leptospirosis, Goats, SHEEP DISEASES
- by Vedat Turhan
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- Infection, Lung Diseases, The, Prednisolone

Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis in the world, but it is more prevalent in tropical than in temperate regions. Its etiologic agent, pathogenic Leptospira sp., penetrates the animal skin through cuts or abrasions, external mucosa (such as the conjunctiva). Clinical signs are variable and unspecific, particularly in animals, mainly in chronic infections, which are often asymptomatic. For an effective control of an infectious disease it is essential a diagnostic test that have high sensitivity, specificity and practicality. In leptospirosis, misdiagnosis is frequent, what can lead to erroneous treatment in cases of acute disease and to the maintenance of the agent in herds, what could determine considering losses. Noteworthy that the natural course of the disease influences directly on which diagnostic test should be chosen, as well as the type of clinical sample that should be collected. The laboratory diagnosis of leptospirosis is challenging, where there is not a highly sensitive and specific test for a reliable diagnosis in animals. This review presents advantages and disadvantages of the current laboratory methods for animal leptospirosis diagnosis considering the differences between affected species and the disease pathogenicity.

- by Gabriel Martins
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- Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Bacteriology

Although most French dogs are correctly vaccinated against leptospirosis with inactivated strains of canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae, the disease is still very prevalent in France raising the question of whether the vaccines used require updating. The aim of the present study was to provide serological data regarding circulation of the Leptospira serovars: grippotyphosa, bratislava, pomona and mozdok, which are contained in vaccines available in other parts of the world and which could be rapidly adapted for France. Results indicated that the epidemiology was consistent with the circulation of Leptospira belonging to the serogroups Australis and Grippotyphosa and that the case to support the inclusion of either pomona or mozdok in a dog vaccine for France was weak.

- by Samuel Buff
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- France, Biological Sciences, Dogs, Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis has still become a public health problem in the world, especially in developing countries which have tropical and subtropical climate such as in Indonesia. This research aims at investigating the spread and analyzing the cluster of Leptospirosis cases by using GIS. This research was conducted in 2015 using descriptive qualitative method. The total cases were 35 cased during May-Dec 2014 in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. The data consisted of secondary and primary data collected by using GPS. Univariate and spatial analysis were performed through SaTScan, QGIS desktop 2.4.0 and ArcGIS 1.1.0. The result shows that the distribution of Leptospirosis case in Bantul Regency is equally distributed in all districts with plain topography. The highest case occurs in May (12 cases). Clustering pattern is significant with p value= 0,001 with 11 cases in the cluster.

- by Sulistyawati Suyanto and +1
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- Spatial Analysis, Leptospirosis
- by Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain
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- Malaysia, Medical Microbiology, Biological Sciences, Cities
- by Dr. M . A.
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- Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Syphilis, Lyme disease

SUMMARY Two global (re-)emerging zoonoses, leptospirosis and hantavirus infections, are clinically indistinguishable. Thirty-one patients, hospitalized in Sri Lanka for acute severe leptospirosis, were after exclusion of other potentially involved pathogens, prospectively screened with IgM ELISA for both pathogens. Of these, nine (29·0%) were positive for leptospirosis only, one (3·2%) for hantavirus only, seven (22·5%) for both pathogens concomitantly, whereas 13 (41·9%) remained negative for both. Moreover, in a retrospective study of 23 former patients, serologically confirmed for past leptospirosis, six (26·0%) were also positive in two different IgG ELISA hantavirus formats. Surprisingly, European Puumala hantavirus (PUUV) results were constantly higher, although statistically not significantly different, than Asian Hantaan virus (HTNV), suggesting an unexplained cross-reaction, since PUUV is considered absent throughout Asia. Moreover, RT-PCR on all hantavirus IgM ELISA positi...

- by Narapity P Sunilchandra
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- Sri Lanka, Adolescent, Prospective studies, Coinfection

The study aim was to use random heptapeptide library displayed by bacteriophage T7 for identifying mimotopes from 15 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to Leptospira spp., and from four leptospirosis patient sera, respectively. The bound phages, selected from fourth round of bio-panning with each antibody, were cloned by plaque isolation and the binding specificity of individual clones were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, before being further amplified and checked for phage peptide sequence using PCR and DNA sequencing. All together 150 phages were selected, mimotope from 86 phages (56.6%) were found to match with protein sequences of Leptospira from GenBank database. The predominant mimotopes were mimotope with sequence LTPCD that found in 27.3%, followed by TPCSK (16%), KSKKSS (4%), KTKRXAS (4%), SSKSYR (3.3%), DPNXNSF (3.3%), KSGRC (2.6%), TLINIF (2%), TPCI (2%), 1.33% each with mimotopes PKKS, PCNTKXTA, and CTKKK, and one phage each (0.66%) with mimotopes PTFGS, TNSKRK, SKSSRC, RSKRIR, VTNNTP, and CSNXSKR. Interestingly, mimotopes LTPCD, TPCSK, and TPCI were found to react with both MAb and patient's sera. The matched proteins from GenBank namely, leptospiral putative outer membrane protein (matched with mimotope PTFGS), thermolysin precursor protein (matched with mimotope TPCIXXGSAS), and hypothetical protein LIC12228 (matched with mimotope CSNXSKR), were found to locate at outer membrane of Leptospira. These phage mimotopes and matched proteins www.elsevier.com/locate/vetmic Veterinary Microbiology 115 (2006) 54-63 may have potential for further use as diagnostic reagent and immunogen against leptospirosis in the future. The results demonstrate that phage display technique has potential for rapidly identifying phage mimotopes that interact with leptospiral MAbs and patient's sera. #

- by Pongrama Ramasoota
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- Microbiology, Veterinary Microbiology, Veterinary, Polymerase Chain Reaction

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality among impoverished populations. One centenary after the discovery of the causative spirochaetal agent, little is understood of Leptospira pathogenesis, which in turn has hampered the identification of new intervention strategies to address this neglected disease. However the recent availability of complete genome sequences for Leptospira and discovery of genetic tools to transform the pathogen has led to major insights into the biology and pathogenesis of this pathogen. We discuss the life cycle of the bacterium and the new advances that have been made and their implications for the future prevention of this disease.

- by Cyrille Goarant and +1
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- Genetics, Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Molecular Genetics

Leaves of an endemic plant Glyptopetalum calocarpum are used by Nicobarese tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, to prepare traditional medicine for treating fever. In the present investigation, pharmacologically active compounds were isolated from this plant and their antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated against the leptospiral strains. The anti-leptospiral activity of six plant-derived compounds was determined by both microdilution and macrodilution methods. Two out of six compounds, namely lupenone and stigmasterol, showed anti-leptospiral activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the two compounds tested against pathogenic leptospiral strains belonging to 10 serovars were in the range of 100–200 μg/mL. The range of minimum bactericidal concentrations was 400–800 μg/mL. Compounds lupenone, stigmasterol, lupeol, β-amyrin and β-amyrin acetate had negligible or no haemolytic activity, exhibiting IC50 values of greater than 5 mg/mL. Further in vivo studies are needed to investigate the pharmacological and toxicological properties of G. calocarpum before it can be considered as a new anti-leptospiral agent.

- by Gordon Nichols
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- Climate Change, Public Health, Atmosphere, Risks