Isolation of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo from bovine urine

Authors: Liardet DM, Flint SH
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 28, Issue 3, pp 55, Mar 1980
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Diagnostic procedures, Zoonosis, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Urinary system/urology, Public health
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: The diagnosis of leptospirosis in cattle due to Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo frequently relies on serological tests. However, the only conclusive evidence of current infection is to isolate the organisms from organs, tissues or urine. As infected cattle are known to excrete leptospirae in their urine for considerable periods during the course of the disease, this is probably the most accessible source for isolation. Various methods have been used to detect leptospiruria but cultural propagation is the most reliable method yet available. This is, however, fraught with difficulties created by the fastidious requirements of the organisms, their frequently small numbers in urine samples, the toxic effects of urine on leptospirae, and culture contamination from other bacteria in the sample: to overcome some of these difficulties, we propose the use of a transport medium (T.M.) consisting of 1 % bovine serum albumin and 5-floruouracil as a contaminant inhibitor…

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