Leptospira interrogans Serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae Failed to Establish Distinct Infection in Naïve Gilts: Lessons Learned from a Preliminary Experimental Challenge

• DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010135
• Publication Date: 2023-01-16T06:31:15Z
• Authors: Romana Steinparzer; Sophie Duerlinger; Friedrich Schmoll; Adi Steinrigl; Zoltán Bagó; Denise Willixhofer; Osaid Al Salem; Sarolta Takács; Christian Knecht; René Renzhammer; Ilse Schwendenwein; Andrea Ladinig; Christine Unterweger
• Keywords: Leptospira interrogans; Seroconversion; Direct agglutination test

Leptospira is a pathogen involved in fertility problems pigs. Nevertheless, little information available on pathogenicity, transmission, tissue tropism, and immune response. The objective of this preliminary study was to induce diagnostically detectable infection naïve gilts using interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae gain the knowledge required for designing large-scale trial. Eight seronegative fertile were divided into three groups: control (n = 2), challenge 3; 10 mL 108 leptospires/mL intravenously), contact 3). A daily clinical examination periodic sampling blood, urine, vaginal swabs performed until four weeks after when necropsy undertaken. Seroconversion infected animals detected first by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) between seven days inoculation. No signs observed except pyrexia. Laboratory data primarily remained within reference intervals. undetectable all groups real-time PCR (sera, swabs, samples) bacterial culture (urine samples). However, histologic evidence tubulo-interstitial nephritis could be found. Based results limitations, questions solved approaches reconsidered are raised conduction further experimental studies understand pathogenesis role pig health.