Hamster Model of Leptospira Infection

Leptospirosis is a globally important zoonotic disease with a high mortality rate in severe cases. The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) is highly susceptible to Leptospira and is commonly used as a lethal acute model that mimics human leptospirosis. This chapter describes procedures for establishing various infection models, including the intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, transdermal, oral, and respiratory routes. Additionally, it provides detailed methods for collecting samples and evaluating the pathology of infected hamsters.