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Approximately one-third of the reportable USDA Category D and E laboratory animals in the United States are expended on the potency testing of leptospiral vaccines by the codified hamster vaccination-challenge assay. Valid tests require ≥80% of challenge controls to succumb to disease and an LD50 between 10 and 10,000. This work evaluates the risk associated with the removal of LD50 limits; thereby, eliminating back-titration hamsters from in vivo potency assays for Leptospira (L.) serogroups Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae. The impact was assessed through 1) retrospective analysis of industry and CVB serial release data from July 2011-April 2015 and 2) evaluation through vaccination-challenge assays. For the initial vaccination-challenge assays (n = 3/serogroup), one group received potent bacterin (PB) and six groups received subpotent bacterins (SB1-SB6). PB and SB1 were challenged with a single dilution of Leptospira between 10 and 10,000 LD50. SB2-SB6 received serial dilutions of more concentrated challenge. Based on the retrospective analysis and in vivo assays, 80% of the challenge controls succumbing to disease reasonably ensured the minimal LD50 was administered. Subpotent vaccines were not at increased risk for being deemed potent when challenged with >10,000 LD50, but potent vaccines were at risk of being deemed subpotent when challenged with >10,000 LD50., (Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonosis of global concern; however, its contemporary occurrence in Sweden, a European country partly located north of the Arctic Circle, is poorly known. Four out of 30 brown rats, captured within urban districts in Sweden, were found to be positive for antibodies to Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae. This serovar causes Weil's disease in humans, a severe infection with jaundice, renal failure, and hemorrhage. Our study is the first finding of this highly pathogenic serovar in Swedish rats since the 1930s.

Background & Objectives: Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease and a public health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. Varied clinical manifestations of the disease frequently lead to misdiagnosis resulting in life-threatening multi-organ complications. Therefore, early laboratory investigation using an appropriate diagnostic approach is crucial. In the present study, a potential protein marker was identified and evaluated for its usefulness in the serodiagnosis of acute leptospirosis., Methods: Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae (L44), which represents a commonly prevalent serovar in Malaysia, was cultivated for preparation of sequential protein extract (SEQ). SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting were performed with a serum panel comprising confirmed cases of leptospirosis and controls (n=42 each). Identification and characterization of the highest scoring protein from the antigenic band was performed. Subsequently based on the nucleotide coding sequence of the protein, the corresponding recombinant protein was custom-produced. It was then evaluated for sensitivity and specificity by testing against 20 serum samples from leptospirosis patients and 32 from controls., Results: Among the antigenic components, a 72 kDa protein band demonstrated significant sensitivity (83.3%) and specificity (95.2%) for the detection of specific anti-leptospiral IgM antibodies. The protein was identified by mass-spectrometry analysis as heat shock protein DnaK of L. interrogans. Recombinant form of the protein (r72SEQ) showed 85 per cent sensitivity and 81 per cent specificity for the detection of specific anti-leptospiral IgM antibodies., Interpretation & Conclusions: The findings of our study indicate that a protein (72 kDa) of L. interrogans has the potential utility of being used for the diagnosis of acute leptospirosis. Further studies need to be done to confirm these findings.

History and Admission Findings: A 30-year-old student, who worked part-time as a punt-driver, was admitted to the hospital with fever up to 39.5 °C, severe pain in in his lower extremity and the lower back, nausea and jaundice., Investigations: Physical examination showed jaundice of skin and sclera as well as conjunctivitis of both eyes. Blood examination results indicated high levels of bilirubin (mostly conjugated), C-reactive protein and creatinine. There were no pathological findings in the ultrasound examination except of discrete splenomegaly. Serology revealed Leptospira IgM antibodies., Diagnosis, Treatment and Course: The patient was diagnosed with leptospirosis and was treated with intravenous ceftriaxon, intravenous rehydration and symptomatic analgesia. Upon this treatment, the liver and kidney function recovered and the patient could be discharged from the hospital in a good general condition., Conclusions: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis which is mainly transmitted by urine of infected animals (predominantly rodents). In this case, the disease was presumably transmitted during the patients work as a professional punt-driver on the Neckar River. The course of the disease is mostly mild with flu-like symptoms, but there are also serious courses with live-threatening complications such as liver or kidney failure and an associated high mortality rate., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Nobivac® Lepto (MSD Animal Health) is a non-adjuvanted canine leptospirosis vaccine containing inactivated whole cells of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicola serovar Portlandvere and L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni. The current standard in vivo potency test is a hamster challenge test associated with major drawbacks such as animal suffering and poor reproducibility. Here, the quantification of antigenic mass by ELISA as a new in vitro potency test is described, supporting the 3Rs concept (replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal tests) and in accordance with European Pharmacopoeia Monograph 0447 (Canine Leptospirosis Vaccine [Inactivated]). The two corresponding sandwich ELISAs are based on monoclonal antibodies specific for immunodominant leptospiral lipopolysaccharide epitopes. Protection in passive immunization experiments demonstrate that these monoclonal antibodies recognize key protective antigens in currently licensed human and veterinary whole cell Leptospira vaccines. The high precision and robustness renders the two ELISAs much more reliable correlates of potency in dogs than the hamster potency test. The recent approval of these assays for a new canine leptospirosis vaccine is an important contribution to the 3Rs in quality control testing of Leptospira vaccines., (Copyright © 2013 The International Alliance for Biological Standardization. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Toward developing an effective vaccine capable of conferring heterologous protection, the putative lipoprotein LemA, which presents an M3 epitope similar to that of Listeria, was evaluated as a vaccine candidate in the hamster model of leptospirosis. LemA is conserved (>70% pairwise identity) among the pathogenic Leptospira spp., indicating its potential in stimulating a cross-protective immune response. Using different vaccination strategies, including prime-boost, DNA vaccine, and a subunit preparation, recombinant LemA conferred different levels of protection in hamsters. Significant protection against mortality was observed for the prime-boost and the DNA vaccine strategies, which showed 87.5% (P < 0.01) and 62.5% (P < 0.05) efficacy, respectively. Although the subunit vaccine preparation protected 50.0% of immunized hamsters, the level of protection was not significant. None of the hamsters in the control groups survived challenge with a virulent strain of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. Characterization of the immune response found that the strongest antibody response was stimulated by the subunit vaccine preparation, followed by the prime-boost strategy. The DNA vaccine failed to elicit an antibody response in immunized hamsters.

Leptospira reactivity in stray and household dogs in Campeche as well as associated risk factors to the seropositivity in household dogs have been herein determined. The survey included 323 dogs, 142 of which were stray dogs and 181 household dogs. Nine Leptospira interrogans serovars were tested by the microagglutination test. Reactivity was 21.3 % (69/323), 17.2 % corresponded to household dogs and 26.7 % to stray dogs. Leptospira Canicola (29 %), Leptospira Hardjo (22.58 %), and Leptospira Icterohaemorrhagiae (16.12 %) were the most common serovars reacting against the serum of household animals, while Leptospira Canicola (15.78 %), Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (13.15 %), and Leptospira Pomona (7.89 %) were those reacting in stray dogs. Results showed that all dogs have been in contact with different Leptospira serovars and outdoor exposure is the main infection risk factor.

Bovine-associated zoonotic infectious diseases pose a significant threat to human health in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). In all, 905 cattle and buffalo serum samples collected in northern Lao PDR in 2006 were used to determine seroprevalence of five major bovine zoonotic infectious diseases that included Taenia saginata cysticercosis, bovine tuberculosis, Q-fever, bovine brucellosis, and bovine leptospirosis. Five enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to test for the presence of antibodies to the diseases, except Taenia saginata, for which we tested for the presence of Taenia metacestode circulating antigens. The overall highest prevalence was for T. saginata (46.4%), with lower prevalence for Q-fever (4%), leptospirosis (3%), tuberculosis (1%), and brucellosis (0.2%). Although there were no significant differences in the proportion of seroprevalence between sex and age of the animals sampled, there were significant differences between the provincial distributions. Further studies are required to determine the seroprevalence of these infections in other locations in Lao PDR, as well as other animal species including humans, in order to develop effective prevention and control strategies. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of bovine zoonotic infectious agents in the Lao PDR. Positivity was demonstrated for all diseases investigated, with the highest prevalence for T. saginata antigen and Coxiella burnetti antibodies. For T. saginata, there were significant differences in the provincial distribution. Approximately 16% seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetti was noted in Xayabuly Province; however, there are no clear reasons why this was the case, and further studies are required to determine risk factors associated with this observation.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis characterized by multiple organ failure and variable host susceptibility toward pathogenic Leptospira strains. In this study, we put the role of inflammatory mediators in parallel with bacterial burdens and organ lesions by comparing a susceptible animal model, the hamster, and a resistant one, the Oncins France 1 (OF1) mouse, both infected with virulent Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae strain Verdun. Histological observations evidenced edema, congestion, hemorrhage, and inflammatory infiltration in the organs of hamsters, in contrast to limited changes in mice. Using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR techniques, we showed that the relative Leptospira burden progressively increased in hamster tissues, while a rapid clearance was observed in mouse tissues. The early regulation of the proinflammatory mediators interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and cyclo-oxygenase-2 and the chemokines gamma interferon-inducible protein 10 kDa/CXCL10 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α/CCL3 in mouse tissues contrasted with their delayed and massive overexpression in hamster tissues. Conversely, the induction of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was faster in the resistant than in the susceptible animal model. The role of these cytokines in the pathophysiology of leptospirosis and the implications of their differential regulation in the development of this disease are discussed.

In 2006, increased mortality due to leptospirosis in Reunion Island had alerted the authorities and justified the conduct of this study in order to update knowledge on the epidemiology of leptospirosis, whereas the latest epidemiological data published on the disease dated back to 2003. This study followed the scheme of a descriptive retrospective survey based on data from reporting and investigation of hospitalized cases of leptospirosis that occurred in Reunion between the 1st January 2004 and 31st December 2008. Data from the National Reference Center (NRC) have also been used. The annual number of reported cases (40 to 50) was stable over the period, which contrasted with the historical decreasing trend of incidence reported by the NRC. The circumstances of exposure were those usually associated with the disease on the island: about 80% of cases were infected between January and June, during the wet season; the main exposure factor identified was the practice of agriculture, declared or not; Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae remained the most frequently isolated serovar, although regressing. Finally, our study has shown that excess mortality observed in 2006 did not result from an increased incidence but from a rise in the case fatality rate. This could be linked to the outbreak of chikungunya, which peaked in February 2006. In endemic areas of leptospirosis, health professionals should remain aware of the risk of occurrence of fatal cases during arbovirosis outbreaks.

Protection against clinical disease and prevention of the renal carrier state remain the key objectives of vaccination against leptospirosis in the dog. In the present paper, groups of dogs were vaccinated twice with a commercial bacterin (EURICAN L) containing Leptospira interrogans serovars icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola and challenged with heterologous representatives of both serovars at 2 weeks (onset of immunity) or 14 months (duration of immunity) after the second vaccination. Control dogs were not vaccinated against leptospirosis and kept with the vaccinated dogs. The challenges, irrespective of the serovar, reliably produced clinical signs consistent with Leptospira infection in the control pups with up to 60% mortality. As expected clinical disease in the adult controls was less severe, but we were able to induce morbidity and mortality as well. Under these extreme challenge conditions, clinical signs in the vaccinated dogs were rare, and when observed, mild and transient in nature. Following experimental infection, 100% of the control pups and 83% of the adult controls became renal carriers. Despite the heavy challenges, none of the 18 vaccinated puppies (onset of immunity studies) and only 2 out of the 16 vaccinated adult dogs (duration of immunity studies) developed a renal carrier state. These results show that a primary course of two doses of EURICAN L provided quick onset and long-term protection against both clinical leptospirosis and the renal carrier stage. This vaccine should provide veterinarians with a powerful tool to prevent clinical disease in dogs and zoonotic transmission of leptospirosis to humans.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with global distribution, caused by spirochaetes of the genus Leptospira. Transmission of Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, the causative agent of Weil's disease, to humans usually results from exposure to the urine of infected, but mostly asymptomatic, rodents, either by direct contact or indirectly through contaminated soil or water. Although regarded as a re-emerging infectious disease, human leptospirosis is probably underdiagnosed due to its often unspecific clinical appearance and difficulties in culturing leptospires. Therefore, more rapid and specific diagnostic procedures are needed. Here we describe a novel real-time quantitative PCR system developed for the accurate and fast diagnosis of pathogenic Leptospira spp. Its usefulness in the management of a patient with rat bite-associated multiorgan failure is demonstrated.

Purpose: Diagnosis of leptospirosis facilitates patient management and initiation of therapy. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the serological test used in reference laboratories because of its high degree of sensitivity and specificity. But the results are not available quickly for patient management. In the present study, in order to develop a simple, rapid immunodiagnostic assay, one of the outer membrane proteins (OMPs), recombinant LipL41 (rLipL41) has been utilised in latex agglutination test (LAT) and flow-through assay., Methods: Part of LipL41 gene was expressed in Escherichia coli system and purified. The rLipL41 antigen of pathogenic Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, which is conserved in all pathogenic Leptospira spp. was used as capture antigen in the LAT and flow-through test. Both tests are very rapid and could be completed within 5 minutes. The sensitivity and specificity of rLipL41 was assessed and evaluated in LAT and flow-through assay in comparison with standard MAT., Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the LAT were 89.70 and 90.45% and flow-through assay were 89.09 and 77.70%, respectively., Conclusions: The developed LAT and flow-through assays were simple, rapid and economical for the detection of leptospira infection and suitable for large-scale screening of samples in endemic areas without any sophisticated equipment.

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonosis with worldwide distribution. Antibiotic treatment is available, but leptospirosis is rarely suspected due to the non-specific clinical presentation, and is also underreported due to the difficulty in confirming the diagnosis. The syndrome of leptospirosis pulmonary haemorrhage is increasingly described; it is severe and can present without the classical manifestations of Weil's disease. We discuss two cases of leptospirosis with pulmonary haemorrhage; both our patients experienced a dramatic deterioration hours after their admission, and required emergency intubation and intensive therapy unit support. Massive haemoptysis is a life threatening complication of leptospirosis, even outside tropical areas.

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonosis in tropical regions. The prevalence is unknown in the Colombian region of Uraba. A cross sectional study was conducted from March to October 2000 in order to determine the prevalence of Leptospira spp. antibodies and describe risk factors in nine counties in the region. The sample consisted of 582 individuals, who answered a questionnaire and had blood samples drawn to determine risk factors. Detection of Leptospira spp. antibodies was based on indirect inmunofluorescence and microagglutination. Seroprevalence was 12.5% (95%CI: 10.01-15.5). No differences were observed according to race, gender, occupation, age, living conditions, or time of residence in the area. L .interrogans serovar Grippotyphosa was the most prevalent species, identified in 53 individuals. Titers were > 1:400 in 38 seropositive individuals. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of Leptospira spp. antibodies in the area, where it is thus necessary to establish control measures to decrease the risk of environmental exposure to leptospirosis.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of serum antibodies to different Leptospira serogroups in dogs with a clinical diagnosis of leptospirosis in southern Germany and to compare seroreactivity to different serogroups with history, clinical signs, laboratory findings and survival rate., Methods: In this study, the data of 42 dogs with the diagnosis of leptospirosis were evaluated retrospectively. Dogs were presented to the Small Animal Medicine Teaching Hospital (Medizinische Kleintierklinik) of the Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Germany, between 1990 to 2003., Results: Reactivity to the serogroup grippotyphosa (13/42) was most frequently present, followed by reactivity to the serogroup saxkoebing (10/42). There was no difference in the clinical picture and the laboratory changes between dogs whose sera were reactive to different serogroups., Clinical Significance: Most of the dogs with leptospirosis in southern Germany had sera reacting to serogroups other than icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola, which are contained in the vaccine. Thus, currently available vaccines in Europe do not protect against the most common Leptospira organisms associated with clinical disease.

Available leptospirosis vaccines made up of inactivated bacteria or their membrane components elicit immunity which is serovar specific and unsatisfactory immunological memory. A vaccine that protects across Leptospira serogroups/serovars, i.e. broad spectrum, and induces long-lasting memory is needed for both human and veterinary uses. In this study, a plasmid DNA vaccine was constructed from cloning gene encoding a transmembrane porin protein, OmpL1, of pathogenic Leptospira interrogans, serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae, serovar Copenhageni into a mammalian expression vector pcDNA3.1(+). The protective efficacy of the ompL1-pcDNA3.1(+) plasmid DNA vaccine was studied by immunizing hamsters intramuscularly with three doses of the vaccine (100 microg per dose) at two week intervals. The empty pcDNA3.1(+) and PBS were used as mock as negative vaccine controls, respectively. All animals were challenged with the heterologous Leptospira interrogans, serogroup Pomona, serovar Pomona (10 LD50), at one week after the last vaccine booster. The ompL1-pcDNA3.1(+) plasmid DNA vaccine rescued some vaccinated animals from the lethal challenge and delayed death time, reduced morbidity, e.g. fever, and/or the numbers of Leptospira in the tissues of the vaccinated animals. While the results are encouraging, further studies are needed to optimize the immunization schedule, vaccine dosage and formulation in order to maximize the efficacy of the vaccine.

In this study, proteomes of two pathogenic Leptospira spp., namely L. interrogans, serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae, serovar Copenhageni and L. borgpetersenii, serogroup Tarassovi, serovar Tarassovi, were revealed by using two dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE)-based-proteomics. Bacterial cells were disrupted in a lysis buffer containing 30 mM Tris, 2 M thiourea, 7 M urea, 4% CHAPS, 2% IPG buffer pH 3-10 and protease inhibitors and then subjected to sonication in order to solubilize as much as possible the bacterial proteins. The 2DE-separated components of both Leptospira homogenates were blotted individually onto membranes and antigenic components (immunomes) were revealed by probing the blots with immune serum of a mouse readily immunized with the homogenate of L. interrogans, serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae, serovar Copenhageni. The immunogenic proteins of the two pathogenic Leptospira spp. could be grouped into 10 groups. These are: 1) proteins involved in the bacterial transcription and translation including beta subunit transcription anti-termination protein of DNA polymerase III, elongation factors Tu and Ts, and tRNA (guanine-N1)-methyltransferase; 2) proteins functioning as enzymes for metabolisms and nutrient acquisition including acetyl-Co-A acetyltransferase, putative glutamine synthetase, glyceraldehyde-3-phospahte dehydrogenase, NifU-like protein, 3-oxoacyl-(acyl-carrier-protein) reductase, oxidoreductase, sphingomyelinase C precursor, spermidine synthase, beta subunit of succinyl-CoA synthetase, and succinate dehydrogenase iron-sulfur subunit; 3) proteins/enzymes necessary for energy and electron transfer, i.e. electron transfer flavoprotein, and proton-translocating transhydrogenase; 4) enzymes for degradation of misfolded proteins, i.e. ATP-dependent Clp protease; 5) molecular chaperone, i.e. 60 kDa chaperonin; 6) signal transduction system, i.e. response regulator; 7) protein involved in immune evasion in host, i.e. peroxiredoxin; 8) cell structure proteins including MreB (cytoskeletal) and flagellin/ periplasmic flagellin; 9) lipoproteins/outer membrane proteins: LipL32, LipL41, LipL45 and OmpL1; and 10) various hypothetical proteins. Many immunogenic proteins are common to both Leptospira spp. These proteins not only are the diagnostic targets but also have potential as candidates of a broad spectrum leptospirosis vaccine especially the surface exposed components which should be vulnerable to the host immune effector factors.

By using the monoclonal antibodies methodology we have classified Cuban serovars of leptospires isolated from blood culture of confirmed leptospirosis patients. The serogroups Pomona and Canicola were the most predominant found in our study. Pomona, Mozdok and Canicola serovars were the most prevalent types in these serogroups. Our study has essentially presented a validation of a monoclonal antibody method for the serotyping of Cuban leptospire isolates.

Leptospirosis which is caused by Leptospira species, may present with clinical features that vary from a mild flu-like illness to an acute life-threatening condition. Weil's disease, the most severe form of leptospirosis is characterized by multiorgan involvement including liver, kidney and lungs. In this report a severe Weil's disease was presented. A 43 years old male patient who had a history of swallowing water while swimming in the creek, was admitted to the hospital with the complaints of weakness, cough, bloody sputum, generalized jaundice and dark urine. Acute renal failure, bilateral lung infiltration, hyperbilirubinemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopenia were detected, and the patient has undergone to hemodialysis. Ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin treatment was applied to the patient after collection of blood, urine and sputum cultures and serum samples for serological tests. None of the cultures yielded pathogenic microorganisms. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was applied to two serum samples which were collected with 10 days interval. The first serum sample revealed antibody positivity at 1/200 titer against L. semeranga Patoc I, while the second serum revealed antibody positivity at 1/400 titer against both L. semeranga Patoc I and L. icterohaemorrhagiae Wijnberg. By the administration of antibiotic therapy and early supportive care the patient was cured completely. In conclusion Weil's disease should be taken into consideration in the patients with multiple organ involvements.

An unusual case of leptospirosis is described in a 19-month-old male child presenting with meningitis and acute renal failure without jaundice. Some aspects concerning the pathogenesis and treatment of this potentially life-threatening disease are also discussed. Leptospirosis was diagnosed on the basis of history and serological tests.

Leptospira serogroup Ballum is at present the first cause of human leptospirosis in Cuba. Killed whole-cell vaccines were formulated with two clinical isolates of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Ballum using aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant. Agglutinins levels induced by each vaccine in hamsters were estimated by microscopic agglutination test and specific IgG activities were quantified by a whole cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Homologous and cross protective capacity against lethal and sublethal infection were determined in vaccinated animals by challenge with 100 and 10,000 LD50 of five virulent strains belonging to serogroups Ballum, Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pomona. Both monovalent serogroup Ballum vaccines were immunogenic and induced complete homologous protection in the animal model. Cross-protection was only significant in one of the two vaccines against challenge with 100 LD50 of serogroup Canicola. The results of this study demonstrate the high immunogenicity and protective capacity in hamsters of whole-cell monovalent vaccines formulated with two vaccine candidate strains belonging to the most prevalent serogroup of Leptospira in Cuba.

Two vacine candidate strains from Ballum serogroup were characterized and their immunogenicity and protective power were studied in hamster. The monovalent vaccine formulations obtained showed a high immunogenicity and capacity of homologous protection and, in a lesser degree, of cross protection.

Objective: This study had for aim to assess the serological response induced by the Spirolept vaccine against human leptospirosis., Method: A serological follow-up was made on 31 patients at a risk of occupational exposure. The antibody titers of vaccinated patients were assessed by MAT and ELISA. In a second step, vaccinal protection was studied in vivo by checking the seroprotective effect of the human sera injected in an animal model (Meriones unguiculatus) naturally susceptible to the disease. The passive protection was studied by comparing the death rate on five batches of animals to which the bacterium was inoculated. Thus, four batches of animals were injected subcutaneously with a pooled sera of vaccinated people sampled at D0, D15, D135, and D320 after Spirolept vaccination. One control batch was given PBS. One day after injection, the latter batch was inoculated with the homologous strain Verdun of Leptospira interrogans ss icterohemorrhagiae (serogroup Icterohemorrhagiae) used to make the vaccine., Results: The death rate was significantly decreased as soon as D15 after the first injection, even with pooled sera of vaccinated people negative for the MAT., Comments: The Spirolept vaccine induces a protective response against icterohemorrhagiae, which can be transmitted to the animal model and thus is linked to a humoral response.

Leptospirosis, the most common vasculitic zoonosis in the world, is characterized with jaundice and acute renal failure. However, pancreatitis is an uncommon complication of leptospirosis. In this report, an acute pancreatitis case due to Weil's disease has been presented. A 31-year-old female patient with high levels of glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, creatine kinase, bilirubin, amylase and lipase, has been diagnosed to have leptospirosis by the high positive result (1/800) of microscopic agglutination test against Leptospira interrogans serogroup icterohemorrhagiae. The patient has been treated with supportive and symptomatic therapy, and with penicillin G for leptospirosis. Following triple hemodialysis, all the blood biochemistry tests returned to normal on the tenth day of therapy. This case was reported to draw attention to Leptospira infections which should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with jaundice and pancreatitis.

Duration of immunity in dogs induced with current commercial inactivated leptospirosis vaccines and evaluated against experimental infection, to date, has hardly been documented. The purpose of the present work was to assess the duration of immunity in dogs that is attainable with a commercial inactivated bivalent leptospirosis vaccine. For this purpose, young dogs were vaccinated twice followed by challenge with either Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola or L. interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae 5 weeks, 27 weeks or 56 weeks after the second vaccination. For assessment of the duration of immunity, titres of agglutinating serum antibodies were measured before and after challenge, and the effects of challenge on a variety of parameters were determined including reisolation of challenge organisms from blood, urine and kidney. Both challenge strains induced a generalised infection in control dogs, the canicola strain being most virulent. From the results with different parameters it appeared that the two vaccinations induced a high rate of protection from generalised infection with canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae at 5, 27 and 56 weeks after the second vaccination. In addition, after 56 weeks, still a high level of immunity against renal infection with sv. canicola and, as a consequence, urinary shedding of sv. canicola bacteria, was demonstrated. It was, therefore, concluded that with this vaccine, using this vaccination schedule, a duration of immunity of 1 year can be attained against infection with both serovars.

The standard method for the diagnostic of leptospirosis is the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Nevertheless, it is time-consuming and presents risk of infection for laboratory personal. Several attempts to simplify and reduce the time, skill and expense required for serological testing were made. Rapid slide agglutination tests (RSAT) have been used nowadays as a reliable screening test for the detection of acute and recent infections by many laboratories. The purpose of that study was to evaluate a new antigen preparation for the rapid diagnoses of acute canine leptospirosis and to compare it with MAT results in clinically suspect serum samples. Two hundred and thirteen serum samples from dogs of both sexes and different ages were tested and 141 (66.2%) animals were considered as positive by MAT. The most frequent serovar was icterohaemorrhagiae, followed by canicola. RSAT results were very similar to those observed on MAT, with 139 (65.3%) reactive animals. Correlation between RSAT and MAT was positive (0.82) and significant (p < 0.01). Concordance of results was of 93.4% (199/ 213) of the animals correctly diagnosed by RSAT. Considering MAT as the standard test, sensitivity of RSAT was calculated on 94.3% (133/141) and specificity on 91.7% (66/72).