Abstract
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection caused by pathogenic Leptospira. Synanthropic rodents are recognized carriers of leptospires; however, the role of wild rodents in the epidemiology of the disease is still incipient. In this work, we describe Leptospira strain isolated from Cavia aperea (Brazilian guinea pig). The isolated strain was characterized by partial rpoB gene sequencing, variable-number tandem-repeats and histopathological analysis. The strain was identified as Leptospira interrogans, serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae and caused clinical signs of leptospirosis in the hamster model, attesting to its virulence. In conclusion, these findings could be useful for elucidating the epidemiological role of C. aperea in leptospirosis.
Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Bacterial Proteins / genetics
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Brazil / epidemiology
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Cricetinae
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DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
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DNA, Bacterial / genetics
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Genetic Markers
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Guinea Pigs / microbiology*
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Kidney / microbiology
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Kidney / pathology
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Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae / classification
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Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae / genetics
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Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae / isolation & purification*
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Leptospira interrogans serovar icterohaemorrhagiae / pathogenicity
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Leptospirosis / epidemiology
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Leptospirosis / microbiology
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Leptospirosis / veterinary*
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Mesocricetus
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Minisatellite Repeats / genetics
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Rodent Diseases / epidemiology
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Rodent Diseases / microbiology*
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Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Virulence
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Zoonoses
Substances
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Bacterial Proteins
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DNA, Bacterial
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Genetic Markers