[Review of the incidence of antibodies to various serological groups of the species Leptospira interrogans in a number of farm animals in the Netherlands (author’s transl)].

This research article investigates the prevalence of antibodies to various strains of the bacterium Leptospira interrogans in different farm animals in the Netherlands from 1969 to 1974.

Research Methodology

• The research was carried out over a five-year period, from 1969 to 1974, across various regions in the Netherlands.
• The study included a wide range of farm animals: 19,607 cattle, 6,348 pigs, 182 dogs, and 88 horses.
• Multiple serotypes of Leptospira interrogans were studied, including pomona, icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola, guidae (from the Tarassovi serological group), grippotyphosa, and sejroe.
• A micro-agglutination test was used to detect the presence of antibodies to these serotypes in the animal subjects, which indicates past or current infection.

Key Findings

• The results indicated that antibodies to Leptospira interrogans were found in a varying percentage of the studied animals – 7.67% of cattle, 22.21% of pigs, 36.81% of dogs, and 92.05% of horses.
• The serotypes icterohaemorrhagiae and grippotyphosa were the most commonly detected in cattle and horses, while icterohaemorrhagiae and tarassovi were the most common in pigs, and icterohaemorrhagiae and canicola were the most common in dogs.
• Interestingly, the pomona serotype was not a contributing factor in the bacterial infections in the Netherlands.
• From a statistical perspective, the presence of grippotyphosa infections in cattle may potentially lead to abortions.

Implications

• This study provides valuable data on the prevalence of various Leptospira interrogans serotypes among farm animals in the Netherlands, which can inform strategies for disease prevention and control.
• The findings also suggest potential risks associated with specific serotypes, such as the possibility of abortion in cattle infected with the grippotyphosa type.
• Future research should further investigate the disease outcomes associated with each of these serotypes, and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention measures such as vaccination.