- Pathogen:
- Leptospira spp.
- Precautions:
- Standard
- Diagnosis:
- Microscopic agglutination test using live culture growth in liquid medium is the most reliable serological test.
- Pathogen Information:
- Gram-negative, helical bacteria with hooked shaped ends that belong to the Leptospiraceae family.
- Epidemiology:
- In mild temperatures, can survive in water, moist soil, and mud. Species are classified by DNA homology. Isolates are assigned to serogroups by identifying surface antigens using serological reactions (serovars).
- Associated Syndromes:
- Leptospirosis, Reproductive failure, agalactia, stillbirths, abortions, Renal disease, Septicemia, Periodic ophthalmia.
- Additional Information:
- Resource: Quinn, P. J., et al. Concise Review of Veterinary Microbiology, John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, 2015.