POSITIVE PCR FOR LEPTOSPIRA SPP. IN A SOW FROM A GERMAN HERD PRESENTING ANIMALS WITH MAT TITRES FOR LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS SEROVAR BRATISLAVA

PCR POSITOVA PARA LEPTOSPIRA SPP. EM UMA PORCA DE UMA CRIAÇÃO DA ALEMANHA APRESENTANDO ANIMAIS COM TÍTULOS PARA LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS SOROVAR BRATISLAVA, NO TESTE DE SOROAGLUTINAÇÃO MICOSCÓPICA

ABSTRACT

Reports based on serological data indicate Leptospira (L.) interrogans serovar Bratislava infection in pigs in parts of Germany and other countries. Two sows of a pig breeding herd located in Germany and which showed titres of 200 and 800 against L. interrogans serovar Bratislava in MAT were followed up under experimental conditions with microbiological and PCR methods for detection of leptospires. Cultures of urine and organs were negative for leptospires in both pigs. The PCR was also negative in all samples of one pig, but was positive in samples from uterus, oviduct and ovary of the other animal. The histological investigation of the kidneys from this pig showed an interstitial glomerulonephritis. The positive results of the PCR demonstrated the tropism of leptospires for the genital tract. This fact may be responsible for more unexpected abortion and infertility in pig breeding herds.

KEY WORDS
Leptospirosis; swine; serology; PCR; genital tract