Usage of a selective media (EMJH-STAFF) in primary culturing of pathogenic leptospires from bovine clinical samples

Abstract

Isolation of local strains is mandatory for the success of control programs. However, clinical samples are typically contaminated by other bacteria, which impair leptospires growth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a previously reported EMJH-STAFF media in the recovery of pathogenic leptospires from bovine clinical samples, namely urine (n = 123) and vaginal fluid-VF (n = 102). EMJH-STAFF presented less contamination than EMJH (<0.005), which was more evident in VF culture tubes. Nine pure leptospires cultures were obtained, six from urine (4.9%) and three from VF (2.9%). From those, seven grew on EMJH-STAFF, one on EMJH and one in both media. All the isolates were confirmed as pathogenic leptospires by lipL32-PCR, and sequencing of partial rrs showed them to belong to Leptospira noguchii, Leptospira santarosai and Leptospira interrogans species. EMJH-STAFF media was an important tool in the recovery of leptospires from bovine clinical samples.