Molecular studies on European equine isolates of Leptospira interrogans serovars Bratislava and Muenchen.

This research explores the genetic differences in strains of Leptospira interrogans, a bacterium affecting horse populations, which could offer insights into their epidemiology and the relationship between different isolates. Through molecular studies using techniques such as restriction endonuclease analysis and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis, strains could be grouped into four different types, potentially indicating some strains’ adaptation to horses.

Objective of the Research

• The study aims to perform molecular studies on European isolates of two very closely related serovars of Leptospira interrogans – Bratislava and Muenchen. The bacteria spreads infections widely among the horse population worldwide.
• Previous techniques couldn’t differentiate between isolates found in wildlife, pigs, dogs, and potentially horses. Therefore, this research aims to delve deeper into their diversity and interrelationships.

Methodology

• Twenty-one European isolates of serovar Bratislava and Muenchen were examined using restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) and multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA).
• These techniques were applied in an attempt to clear the unknows about their epidemiology.
• The REA enabled the researchers to identify restriction pattern types, which fell into one of four REA designed pattern types – B1, B2a, M1, M2a.

Findings

• Nine strains compartmentalized under B2a were identified from Northern Ireland and two from Germany. Prior findings suggest this to be a ubiquitous strain that was originally isolated from a multiple of wild and domestic animal species in the UK.
• Five strains under category B1 were identified from Portugal, The Netherlands, Germany, and Northern Ireland.
• Three German isolates belonged to the M1 group and two strains were categorized as M2a.
• Genotypes B1 and M1, with the exception of a single hedgehog isolate, have been primarily recovered from horses, indicating these strains’ potential adaptation to equine species.