LEPTOSPIROSIS: DIAGNOSIS, PREVENTION MANAGEMENT UPDATE

摘要

Leptospirosis is an important worldwide zoonosis caused by an infection with a pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. These are highly motile obligate aerobic spirochetes that share features of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Darkfield or phase contrast microscopy is necessary to visualize these bacteria since they stain so poorly. This genus is classified today based on genetic determinations. Most of the commonly diagnosed canine pathogenic serovars are still classified (as before) as belonging to the L. interrogans species although the serovars grippotyphosa and ballum are now classified as belonging to the L. borgpetersenii and the species L. kirschneri respectively. This talk will include a general overview of the current literature regarding canine leptospirosis. This will include the most recent thoughts on the epidemiology of the disease, the pathogenesis, the methods of testing for the disease, prevention and vaccination as well as clinical signs and treatment.