Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Leptospira interrogans Isolated from Canis familiaris in Southern Brazil

Curr Microbiol. 2015 Oct;71(4):496-500. doi: 10.1007/s00284-015-0857-z. Epub 2015 Jun 23.

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes from the genus Leptospira, which includes 20 species and more than 300 serovars. Canines are important hosts of pathogenic leptospires and can transmit the pathogen to humans via infected urine. Here, we report the phenotypic and molecular characterization of Leptospira interrogans isolated from Canis familiaris in Southern Brazil. The isolated strain was characterized by variable-number tandem-repeats analysis as L. interrogans, serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. In addition, the isolate was recognized by antibodies from human and canine serum samples previously tested by microscopic agglutination test. Ultimately, the expression of membrane-associated antigens (LipL32 and leptospiral immunoglobulin-like proteins) from pathogenic leptospires using monoclonal antibodies was detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay. In conclusion, identification of new strains of Leptospira can help in the diagnosis and control of leptospirosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antigens, Bacterial / analysis
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins / analysis*
  • Brazil
  • Dog Diseases / microbiology*
  • Dogs / microbiology*
  • Leptospira interrogans / chemistry*
  • Leptospira interrogans / genetics*
  • Leptospira interrogans / isolation & purification
  • Leptospirosis / microbiology
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary*
  • Lipoproteins / analysis*
  • Minisatellite Repeats*
  • Molecular Typing

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins
  • LipL32 protein, Leptospira
  • Lipoproteins