Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis and clinical characterization of Leptospira interrogans canine isolates.

Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis and clinical characterization of Leptospira interrogans canine isolates.
J Med Microbiol. 2015 Jan 16;
Authors: Koizumi N, Mizutani Muto M, Izumiya H, Suzuki M, Ohnishi M
Abstract
Canine leptospirosis occurs worldwide; however, information on the relationship between Leptospira serotypes/genotypes and virulence in dogs remains limited. We investigated the molecular characteristics of L. interrogans canine isolates belonging to three serogroups using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and the effects of each serotype/genotype on the clinical characteristics of leptospirosis in dogs. MLVA using 11 loci of the three major L. interrogans serogroups in Japan Australis (32 strains from 21 dogs), Autumnalis (12; 7), and Hebdomadis (66; 39), revealed more divergent genetic heterogeneity within each serogroup than MLST, and they formed two, three, and five clusters (CLs), respectively. Lethal infections were caused by all Leptospira serogroup isolates (70.3% with Hebdomadis, 83.3% with Australis, and 100% with Autumnalis) or Leptospira isolates belonging to all the CLs (57.1%-100%) without any significant differences. A significant difference in hyperemia and hemorrhage of mucus membrane was observed between serogroups Australis and Autumnalis (p = 0.03). Leptospira isolates of Australis CL2 caused no hyperemia and hemorrhage from mucus membrane, whereas those of ...

Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology - January 16, 2015 Category: Microbiology Authors: Koizumi N, Mizutani Muto M, Izumiya H, Suzuki M, Ohnishi M Tags: J Med Microbiol Source Type: research