A new leptospiral serovar in the Pyrogenes serogroup isolated in Nigeria

Five leptospiral strains were isolated from bovine kidneys during a cultural survey for pathogenic leptospires in Nigeria. Preliminary test results indicated that the five strains were identical and serologically heterologous to the other members of the Pyrogenes serogroup. Further examination of the strains by the cross-agglutinin absorption test, factor analysis and restriction endonuclease analysis confirmed that the strains constitute a new serovar. It is therefore proposed that this strain be recognised and designated as serovar nigeria, type strain Vom.