Bovine leptospirosis: microbiological and serological findings in normal fetuses removed from the uteri after slaughter
Ellis, W.A.; Neill, S.D.; O'Brien, J.J.; Cassells, J.A.; Hanna, J.
Veterinary Record 110(9): 192-194
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 7072119 Document Number: 182796
Leptospires were demonstrated by a combination of the direct fluorescent antibody technique and culture in six (4.6%) of 130 fetuses from apparently normal uteri collected at an abattoir. Fetal ages ranged from the five to seven months. In addition, leptospires were isolated from the oviducts of two uteri containing uninfected fetuses. All the strains isolated were similar antigenically to serovar hardjo. Leptospiral antibodies were not detected in any of the fetuses.