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Studies of antigenic variants of leptospira isolated from experimentally infected mice
Abstract:
Antigenic variants were isolated from mice inoculated with a virulent strain of Leptospira interrogans serotype copenhageni by cultivating the kidney cortex in the liquid or the solidified serum media containing the immune serum against the parent strain. The variants, which were isolated from the mice from 7 to 113 days after infection, were found to be antigenically different from the parent by the agglutinin-absorption test, precipitin-absorption test in gel and guinea pig protection test. The variants were antigenically stable and different from the 18 serotypes of the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup. The significance of antigenic variants of leptospira which appear in vivo is discussed.
Insights
Antigenic variants of Leptospira interrogans serotype copenhageni emerged in infected mice. These variants showed stable, distinct antigenic properties compared to the parent strain.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Leptospira interrogans serotype copenhageni is a virulent pathogen.
- Understanding antigenic variation is crucial for controlling leptospirosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize antigenic variants of Leptospira interrogans serotype copenhageni that appear during infection.
- To assess the antigenic stability and distinctness of these variants.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of variants from infected mouse kidney cortex using immune serum.
- Serological characterization using agglutinin-absorption and precipitin-absorption tests.
- Evaluation of protection in guinea pigs.
Main Results:
- Antigenic variants were successfully isolated from mice 7 to 113 days post-infection.
- Variants demonstrated significant antigenic differences from the parent strain.
- Isolated variants were antigenically stable and distinct from known Icterohaemorrhagiae serotypes.
Conclusions:
- In vivo emergence of antigenically distinct Leptospira variants occurs.
- These variants possess stable antigenic profiles.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering antigenic variation in Leptospira pathogenesis and vaccine development.