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Category: Clinical Microbiology
Leptospira, Page 1 of 2
< Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555816728/9781555814632_Chap55-1.gif /docserver/preview/fulltext/10.1128/9781555816728/9781555814632_Chap55-2.gifAbstract:
The genus Leptospira is comprised of spiral-shaped bacteria with hooked ends. This genus, along with the genera Leptonema and Turneriella, makes up the family Leptospiraceae within the order Spirochaetales and class Spirochaetes of the proposed phylum Spirochaetes. The genus was formerly divided into two species: Leptospira interrogans, comprising all pathogenic strains, and L. biflexa, containing the saprophytic strains isolated from the environment. The molecularly based taxonomy of Leptospira necessitates the identification of isolates to both the species and serovar levels. Species identification is most practically done by sequence analysis, using rrs (16s rRNA), gyrB, rpoB, or secY. The definitive serologic investigation in leptospirosis remains the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), in which patients sera are reacted with live or killed antigen suspensions of leptospiral serovars. Leptospires are susceptible to many antimicrobial agents, including β-lactams, macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and streptomycin. Despite recent advances in molecular detection and characterization of leptospires and in the development of rapid serologic tests, there are still relatively few laboratories throughout the world with the appropriate capabilities for Leptospira diagnostics.
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Phylogenetic relationships based on rrs (16S rRNA gene) sequences between the genera of the Leptospiraceae. The scale bar represents a 2% difference in sequence.
Phylogenetic relationships based on rrs (16S rRNA gene) sequences between the genera of the Leptospiraceae. The scale bar represents a 2% difference in sequence.
Scanning electron micrograph of leptospiral cells bound to a 0.2-µm-pore-size filter. Magnification, approximately ×3,500. Source: Public Health Image Library.
Scanning electron micrograph of leptospiral cells bound to a 0.2-µm-pore-size filter. Magnification, approximately ×3,500. Source: Public Health Image Library.
Serogroups and selected serovars of Leptospira interroganssensu lato
Serogroups and selected serovars of Leptospira interroganssensu lato
Genospecies of Leptospira
a These species comprise the clade of pathogenic Leptospira species.
b Currently only nonpathogenic strains of these species are known.
c These species comprise the clade of Leptospira species intermediate between the pathogenic and nonpathogenic clades ( Fig. 1 ).
Genospecies of Leptospira
a These species comprise the clade of pathogenic Leptospira species.
b Currently only nonpathogenic strains of these species are known.
c These species comprise the clade of Leptospira species intermediate between the pathogenic and nonpathogenic clades ( Fig. 1 ).
Leptospiral serovars found in multiple species a
a Based on data reported by Brenner et al. ( 6 ) and by Feresu et al. ( 21 ).
Leptospiral serovars found in multiple species a
a Based on data reported by Brenner et al. ( 6 ) and by Feresu et al. ( 21 ).