Chronic experimental genital leptospirosis with autochthonous Leptospira santarosai strains of serogroup Sejroe

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Although ruminants may be experimental infected by different leptospiral strains, the majority of them determine acute infection. In contrast, members of serogroup Sejroe seems to be prevalent on chronic infection. Despite the importance of naturally occurring chronic genital infection, the parasite-host long-term relationship in genital tract remains to be elucidated. Few studies succeeded on reproducing the chronic genital infection it on experimental conditions, in this context, this paper aimed to assess the chronic experimental genital leptospirosis with autochthonous Leptospira santarosai strains of serogroup Sejroe. The animals were randomly divided into three experimental groups. Each group was inoculated with a different strain of the serogroup Sejroe (FV237, FV52 and U81). On the follow-up of the infection, blood, urine and vaginal fluid collection were performed, as well as the daily follow-up of the animals clinic, and on 30, 60 and 90 days post-infection (p.i.) was performed to collect uterine tissue, uterine lavage and follicular aspirate. There were no clinical signs or haematological alterations in any of the animals, and positive MAT was detected from day 4 p.i. The group inoculated with the FV237 strain showed the highest number of positive samples in the genital tract. The chronic model of leptospiral genital infection could be successfully established, using autochthonous strains that are not often studied. It is of extreme value in order to a better understanding on the pathophysiology of the genital leptospiral infection on ruminants and consequent reproductive disease.