Related Experiment Videos
The isolation and identification of Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava from a pig in Germany
A Schönberg1, B Hahn-Hey, U Kämpe
1Institut für Veterinärmedizin des Bundesgesundheitsamtes, Robert von Ostertag-Institut, Berlin, Germany.
Abstract:
During a study on the improvement of selective media for the isolation of leptospires from clinical material, leptospires were isolated from the kidneys of a pig. Test material was cultured in EMJH-medium containing 0.4% rabbit serum and 3 inhibitory substances (Rifampicin 10 micrograms/ml, Amphotericin B 2 micrograms/ml, 5-Fluorouracil 100 micrograms/ml). The cultured leptospira-strain (Berlin 406) was identified to serogroup level using the cross agglutination method and it was further typed to serovar level by MAB's, factor analysis and restriction endonuclease analysis (REA). MAB typing of Berlin 406 gave an agglutination pattern profile typical of serovar bratislava. Factor serum identification clearly identified this strain as serovar bratislava. On REA examination, Berlin 406 gave a profile identical to that of the serovar bratislava type strain Jez Bratislava i.e. genotype B1. This is the first report of a confirmed isolate of Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava from domestic animals in Germany. There exist a number of possibly important implications as this agent is being incriminated in the cause of clinical disease not only in pigs, but also in horses and dogs in other countries.
Insights
A novel Leptospira strain, identified as serovar bratislava, was isolated from a pig in Germany. This finding is significant as Leptospira bratislava can cause disease in domestic animals like pigs, horses, and dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Zoonotic Diseases
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a significant zoonotic disease affecting various animal species.
- Accurate identification and characterization of Leptospira serovars are crucial for disease control and prevention.
- Selective media are essential for isolating leptospires from diverse clinical and environmental samples.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first confirmed isolation and characterization of Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava from a domestic animal in Germany.
- To evaluate selective media for leptospire isolation from clinical material.
- To provide insights into the potential implications of this serovar in animal health.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of leptospires from pig kidneys using EMJH-medium with inhibitory substances (Rifampicin, Amphotericin B, 5-Fluorouracil).
- Serogroup identification via cross-agglutination.
- Serovar typing using monoclonal antibodies (MABs), factor analysis, and restriction endonuclease analysis (REA).
Main Results:
- A Leptospira strain (Berlin 406) was successfully isolated and identified as serovar bratislava.
- MAB typing, factor serum identification, and REA confirmed the strain as serovar bratislava (genotype B1).
- This marks the first report of Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava from domestic animals in Germany.
Conclusions:
- The isolation of Leptospira interrogans serovar bratislava from a pig in Germany highlights its presence in the domestic animal population.
- This serovar is implicated in clinical disease in pigs, horses, and dogs in other regions, suggesting potential risks.
- Further surveillance and control measures are warranted to address the implications of Leptospira bratislava in animal health.