Identification of pathogenic Leptospira strains in tissues of a premature foal by use of polymerase chain reaction analysis.
Studies were carried out to determine the cause of death in a prematurely born Thoroughbred foal that died 24 hours after birth. Necropsy revealed gross lesions suggestive of septicemia. A commercial Leptospira polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay designed to specifically amplify the hemolysis-associated protein 1 (hap1) gene present only in pathogenic Leptospira strains detected the presence of Leptospira DNA in various tissues of the foal. Histologic examination of lung, liver, kidney, and myocardium revealed numerous spirochetes in Warthin-Starry-stained tissue sections. Results of PCR analysis and histologic examination suggested a leptospiral infection in the newborn foal. At the moment of death, the infection coexisted with a streptococcal-associated aspiration bronchopneumonia and postpartum septicemia. These findings indicate that the PCR assay based on the amplification of the hap1 gene represents a useful tool for specific detection of pathogenic leptospira in field samples taken from horses.
Léon
Albertine
A
Laboratoire Départemental Frank Duncombe, Caen, France.
Pronost
Stéphane
S
Tapprest
Jackie
J
Foucher
Nathalie
N
Blanchard
Béatrice
B
André-Fontaine
Geneviève
G
Laugier
Claire
C
Fortier
Guillaume
G
Leclercq
Roland
R
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology*; D006736:Horses; D007919:Leptospira / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000662:veterinary; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D012338:RNA, Ribosomal, 23S / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D006460:Hemolysin Proteins; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; D012338:RNA, Ribosomal, 23S; C439630:hemolysis-associated protein 1