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Aymée L, Mendes J, Lilenbaum W. Bovine Genital Leptospirosis: An Update of This Important Reproductive Disease. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:322. [PMID: 38275782 PMCID: PMC10812666 DOI: 10.3390/ani14020322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Bovine leptospirosis is an important disease that affects the reproductive sphere. Due to its high relevance for the bovine production chain in a worldwide scenario, a better understanding of the disease is crucial to reduce its negative impacts. The main agents are strains from the Sejroe serogroup, such as Hardjo and Guaricura, which lead to renal and genital infection. The genital colonization causes a chronic, silent, and subclinical reproductive syndrome, called Bovine Genital Leptospirosis (BGL). Embryonic death, estrus repetition, subfertility, and abortions are the main signs of BGL condition in females. However, although leptospires have been identified in semen, the manifestation of BGL in bulls remains to be clarified. The recommended diagnosis of BGL includes a serologic screening of the herds using the microscopic agglutination test followed by PCR of genital samples (cervicovaginal mucus, uterine fragment, or semen), especially from animals with reproductive failures. After the identification of carriers, control is carried out considering three steps: antimicrobial treatment of the carriers, environmental and reproductive management, and herd vaccination. Systematic testing, quarantine of newly arrived animals, and usage of antimicrobials in semen diluents or embryo culture media are other sanitary approaches that are encouraged to improve the control of the syndrome. Herein we discuss protocols for an efficient diagnosis and preventive procedures of BGL, which are fundamental to reducing the negative impact of the disease on cattle reproduction and its consequent economic hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Alameda Barros Terra Street, 57, Niterói 24020-150, Brazil (J.M.)
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Guadelupe B, Balaro MFA, Brandão FZ, Martins GMDS, Lilenbaum W. Streptomycin treatment of genital carriers of Leptospira in experimentally infected sheep on different estrous phases. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:579-581. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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The Efficacy of Vaccination in the Prevention of Renal and Genital Leptospirosis in Experimentally Infected Sheep. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7100321. [PMID: 36288062 PMCID: PMC9607635 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Leptospirosis, mainly determined by strains belonging to serogroup Sejroe, has a direct impact on the reproductive efficiency of ruminants, such as sheep. In Brazil, Leptospira santarosai serovar Guaricura, known to be able to chronically colonize the uterine environment, is of special note. Although vaccination minimizes the effects of acute disease, whether or not it can protect from renal colonization remains controversial, and its effects on the genital tract are unknown. In this context, the present study aims to investigate the efficacy of vaccination in the prevention of experimental genital leptospirosis. (2) Methods: Eighteen sheep were divided into three groups: one vaccinated with a polyvalent commercial bacterin, one vaccinated with an autologous bacterin, and one unvaccinated. After 14 days, the sheep were experimentally challenged with 108 leptospires (L. santarosai, serogroup Sejroe, serovar Guaricura, strain FV52) intraperitoneally. Serology and colonization of the urinary and genital tracts were carried out monthly by PCR for 210 days in all animals. (3) Results: Vaccination significantly elicited antibody titers with a predominance of agglutinins against serogroup Sejroe. Both urinary and genital infections were confirmed by PCR. Positivity in urine PCR was absent after D120, while genital infection persisted until the end of the study. Serological results and the finding that vaccination did not avoid renal colonization align with previous studies. Despite vaccination, Leptospira established chronic and asymptomatic colonization of the genital tract until D210, an outstanding finding that remains to be fully understood in its mechanisms. (4) Conclusions: This is the first study conducted to analyze the effects of vaccination in the prevention of genital leptospirosis.
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dos Santos Pereira PV, Di Azevedo MIN, dos Santos Baptista Borges AL, Loureiro AP, Martins G, Carvalho-Costa FA, Souza-Fabjan JMG, Lilenbaum W. Bovine genital leptospirosis: Evidence of ovarian infection by Leptospira interrogans. Vet Microbiol 2022; 271:109489. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Aymée L, Nogueira Di Azevedo MI, de Souza Pedrosa J, Loria de Melo JDS, Carvalho-Costa FA, Lilenbaum W. The role of Leptospira santarosai serovar Guaricura as agent of Bovine Genital Leptospirosis. Vet Microbiol 2022; 268:109413. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2022.109413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Loureiro AP, Brasil T, Correia L, Lilenbaum W. Growth dynamic of Leptospira spp. from Sejroe serogroup in different media formulae. Lett Appl Microbiol 2021; 74:124-130. [PMID: 34783393 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The culturing of Leptospira strains from bovine clinical samples is challenging and has resulted in some gaps in securing an epidemiological understanding. Strains related to chronic reproductive leptospirosis in cattle belong to the Sejroe serogroup - not only Hardjoprajitno and Hardjobovis but also Guaricura genotypes. This study analyses the growth of Leptospira strains from serogroup Sejroe in different culture media, with the aim of suggesting better culturing approaches. To meet this objective, two culture media were applied: EMJH and T80/40/LH. In addition, three different cocktails of selective agents were chosen. The combinations of medium and selective additives resulted in 10 different tested formulae. The poor performance of Hardjobovis in EMJH indicated that its growth may represent a possible bias when culturing these strains from bovine samples. The most efficient medium for culturing Hardjobovis was T80/40/LH, while T80/40/LH medium + STAFF combination proved to be the best choice for growth, being recommended for obtaining a higher number of these strains from bovines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Loureiro
- Departamento de microbiologia e parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Faculdade de medicina veterinária, Universidade Estácio de Sá, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - T Brasil
- Departamento de microbiologia e parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L Correia
- Departamento de microbiologia e parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - W Lilenbaum
- Departamento de microbiologia e parasitologia, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Aymée L, Gregg WRR, Loureiro AP, Di Azevedo MIN, Pedrosa JDS, Melo JDSLD, Carvalho-Costa FA, de Souza GN, Lilenbaum W. Bovine Genital Leptospirosis and reproductive disorders of live subfertile cows under field conditions. Vet Microbiol 2021; 261:109213. [PMID: 34481272 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2021.109213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Bovine genital leptospirosis (BGL) is characterized by silent chronic reproductive disorders, most related to early embryonic death leading to estrus repetition, subfertility and abortions. However, most studies were conducted in slaughterhouses, which lacks reproductive and sanitary history of the studied animals. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of Leptospira sp. infection in live cows with history of low reproductive efficiency. Blood, urine, cervico-vaginal mucus and uterine fragment were collected from nine cows of the same herd presenting reproductive failure (abortions, estrus repetition and chronic infertility). Serology (MAT) and molecular analysis (PCR and nucleotide sequencing) were performed. Serology showed three (33.3%) seroreactive cows, two to Sejroe and one to Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroups. Six cows (66.7%) presented leptospiral DNA on genital samples, while all urine samples were negative. L. interrogans was identified in five samples, very closely related to strains from Sejroe (n = 3) and Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 2) serogroups, while L. noguchii was identified in one sample. Results from this preliminary study demonstrates the presence of leptospires on uterus and reinforces the negative impact of leptospiral infection on reproductive tract, highlighting its association with reproductive failures on live animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Aymée
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Paula Loureiro
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Estácio de Sá University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Juliana de Souza Pedrosa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Guilherme Nunes de Souza
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Walter Lilenbaum
- Laboratory of Veterinary Bacteriology, Biomedical Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Guedes IB, de Souza GO, de Paula Castro JF, Cavalini MB, Maia ALP, do Amaral RR, Cortez A, Heinemann MB. Isolation of an atypical Leptospira strain assigned to the Sejroe serogroup from a water buffalo in Brazil. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 77:101673. [PMID: 34029859 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2021.101673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The isolation of leptospires from buffaloes worldwide is still limited to a few strains. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the first Leptospira isolate from buffalo urine, assigned to the Sejroe serogroup, which does not belong to the Wolffi subgroup, traditionally isolated in Brazil. A total of 244 urine samples of water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) raised in the Brazilian Amazon were subjected to bacteriological culturing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of leptospires. The obtained isolate was characterized by serogrouping using polyclonal antibodies, partial DNA sequencing, Hardjo-Bovis-specific PCR, multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA/VNTR) and experimental infection in hamsters. PCR was performed on the urine samples; 11/244 were positive (4.5 %) for Leptospira, and only one isolate was recovered (0.4 %). Regarding characterization, the isolate was assigned to the Sejroe serogroup with high titers (12,800) for the Saxkoebing and Sejroe serovar antisera. The isolate was negative for Hardjo-Bovis-specific PCR, and the species Leptospira borgpetersenii was identified by DNA sequencing. The MLVA results showed that the VNTR profile of the isolate was 1-2-5, compatible with that of serovars Sejroe/Istrica. In the experimental infection in hamsters, the animals did not develop clinical signs, and no macroscopic lesions were observed on the organs at necropsy; however, the strain was detected in the kidneys, uterus, and testicles of the animals. The isolate described herein highlights infection by Sejroe strains that may be overlooked in buffaloes and that may be different from those normally isolated and used in serological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel Barbosa Guedes
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Gisele Oliveira de Souza
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Juliana Fernandes de Paula Castro
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Matheus Burilli Cavalini
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Anderson Luiz Pinheiro Maia
- Médico Veterinário, Auditor Fiscal Agropecuário, Agência de Defesa e Inspeção Agropecuária do Estado do Amapá, AP, Brazil
| | - Raquel Rodrigues do Amaral
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia Medicinal, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá, AP, Brazil
| | - Adriana Cortez
- Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Santo Amaro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Bryan Heinemann
- Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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