In vivo and in silico Virulence Analysis of Leptospira Species Isolated From Environments and Rodents in Leptospirosis Outbreak Areas in Malaysia

• DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.753328
• Publication Date: 2021-11-05T14:49:16Z
• Authors: Noraini Philip; Jaeyres Jani; Nurul Natasya Azhari; Zamberi Sekawi; Vasantha Kumari N...
• Keywords: Leptospira interrogans; Strain (injury)

The zoonotic disease leptospirosis is caused by pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. With advancement studies in leptospirosis, several new are being reported. It has always been a query, whether Leptospira species, serovars, and strains isolated from different geographical locations contribute to difference presentations severity. In an epidemiological surveillance study performed Malaysia, we seven novel intermediate saprophytic (Leptospira semungkisensis, fletcheri, langatensis, selangorensis, jelokensis, perdikensis, congkakensis) environments three rodents borgpetersenii strain HP364, weilii SC295, interrogans HP358) trapped human outbreak premises. To evaluate potential these isolates, vivo silico virulence analysis. Environmental isolates HP364 did not induce any clinical manifestations hamsters. Strain SC295 inactivity weight loss with histopathological changes kidneys, however, all hamsters survived until end experiment. HP358 showed high virulent phenotype as infected died or were moribund within 7 days postinfection. Lungs, liver, kidneys pathological hemorrhage main presentation. analysis elucidated genome size be larger than containing genes reported number specific putative factors. conclusion, L. was highly fatal outcome. constituent genomes may determine level severity that needs further investigations.