Characterization of Leptospira isolates from humans and the environment in Uruguay.

Laboratory diagnosis of human leptospirosis usually relies on indirect methods exploring specific immune response. Isolation and identification of the involved strains are cumbersome, but can provide biological resources for pathogenic studies and relevant information for guiding prevention and control measures. The aim of the research we are hereby reporting was the characterization of Leptospira isolates obtained from humans and the environment in Uruguay.

Molecular and serological characterization of Leptospira kirschneri serogroup Pomona isolated from a human case in a Brazilian rural area.

Introduction:: Leptospirosis is an important health concern in Brazil. Currently, information on the epidemiology of the disease in the rural areas of the country is lacking.

Methods:: Serological and molecular techniques were used to characterize a clinical isolate of Leptospira.

Leptospira and Brucella antibodies in collared anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) in Brazilian zoos.

The presence of Leptospira spp. and Brucella spp. antibodies was investigated in serum samples from 28 collared anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) kept in seven Brazilian zoos.

Chemokines expression during Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni infection in resistant BALB/c and susceptible C3H/HeJ mice.

The role of innate immune responses in protection against leptospirosis remains unclear. We examined the expression of the chemokines CCL2/JE (MCP-1), CCL3/MIP-1 alpha (MIP-1 alpha) and CXCL1/KC (IL-8) regarding resistance and susceptibility to leptospirosis in experimental mice models BALB/c and C3H/HeJ, respectively. A virulent strain of Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni was used in this study.