Detection of leptospiral antigens in kidney and liver of cattle

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the presence of leptospiral antigens in kidney and liver of naturally infected cattle using an immunoperoxidase (IP) staining and Levaditi's staining methods. A total of 39 cattle suspected from leptospirosis were examined histologically and immunohistochemically for the presence of leptospiral antigens. The leptospiral antigens were detected in 16 out of 39 cases (seven kidneys, three livers, and six kidneys and livers) when IP staining method was used, whereas leptospiral antigens were detected in 6 out of 39 cases (four kidneys and two livers) when Levaditi's staining method was used. This study ascertained that IP staining was more sensitive method than Levaditi's staining method for demonstrating the presence of leptospirosis in cattle.