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Published on: May 21, 2015
Isolation of Leptospira interrogans serovar muenchen from a sow with a history of abortion
Abstract:
The isolation of Leptospira interrogans serovar muenchen from a sow which aborted in the first third of pregnancy is described. Isolation was achieved only in media containing a rabbit serum additive and identification was determined by cross-agglutination absorption. A high degree of cross-reactivity was found with reference antisera of the Australis serogroup. Serovar muenchen has not previously been reported in animals and may be responsible for a proportion of the titres to antigens of the Australis serogroup that have recently been reported in pigs in England.
Insights
Leptospira interrogans serovar muenchen was isolated from an aborted sow. This finding is significant as serovar muenchen has not been previously reported in animals, suggesting a potential cause for recent pig herd infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Animal Health
Background:
- Bovine abortion can be caused by various infectious agents.
- Leptospirosis is a significant zoonotic disease affecting livestock.
- Recent reports indicate elevated Leptospira titers in pigs in England.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of abortion in a sow.
- To characterize the isolated Leptospira strain.
- To investigate potential links between animal and human leptospirosis.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteria from aborted sow tissue.
- Cultivation on selective media with rabbit serum additive.
- Serological identification using cross-agglutination absorption tests.
- Comparison with reference antisera of the Australis serogroup.
Main Results:
- Leptospira interrogans serovar muenchen was successfully isolated from the aborted sow.
- Isolation required specific media containing rabbit serum.
- High cross-reactivity was observed with Australis serogroup antisera.
- Serovar muenchen is reported in animals for the first time.
Conclusions:
- Serovar muenchen may be a newly recognized cause of abortion in swine.
- This serovar could explain a portion of recent Australis serogroup seroreactivity in English pigs.
- Further investigation into the prevalence and impact of serovar muenchen in animal populations is warranted.
