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Antigenic variants of leptospiras selected by antiserum-complement mediated-killing
Zentralblatt Fur Bakteriologie. 1. Abt. Originale. A: Medizinische Mikrobiologie, Infektionskrankheiten Und Parasitologie
|February 1, 1981
Summary
Antigenic variants of Leptospira were identified using a leptospiricidal reaction. These variants reverted to parent antigenicity after passage, crucial for understanding Leptospira epidemiology.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Leptospira species cause leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease with significant public health implications.
- Understanding antigenic variation in Leptospira is critical for effective disease control and vaccine development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the presence and characterize the antigenic variants of virulent Leptospira copenhageni Shibaura.
- To investigate the stability and reversibility of the antigenicity of these variants.
Main Methods:
- Leptospiricidal reaction using specific antiserum and complement to assess bacterial survival.
- Colony formation assay on solid serum medium to quantify viable leptospires.
- Passage in liquid normal serum medium to evaluate antigenicity reversion.
Main Results:
- Over 99% of virulent L. copenhageni Shibaura were destroyed by antiserum and complement.
- 0.09% of leptospires survived treatment, with 87% identified as antigenic variants.
- The antigenicity of these variants reverted to the parent type after 3-5 passages.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms the existence of antigenic variants in L. copenhageni.
- These variants exhibit transient antigenicity, reverting to the parent type under specific conditions.
- Findings have implications for serological diagnostics and vaccine strategies against leptospirosis.