Veterinary Research Forum

Investigation of leptospiral antigens in uterus, mammary and kidneys tissues of naturally infected sheep by immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence and ELISA methods and pathological findings

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Gizem Eser 1
Yavuz Selim Sağlam 2

1 Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Milas Veterinary Medicine, Mugla Sıtkı Koçman University, Mugla, Türkiye

2 Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Türkiye

10.30466/vrf.2026.2071180.4903
Abstract
Leptospira interrogans antigens in the uterus, mammary gland and kidney tissues of sheep, employing multiple diagnostic approaches in this study. The research material comprised tissue samples (uterus, mammary gland, kidney) and blood specimens collected from 80 sheep slaughtered in abattoirs. Serum samples were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while tissue samples were examined by ELISA, Hematoxylin–Eosin staining, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence (IF). The ELISA testing of sera revealed leptospiral antibodies in 16 animals, corresponding to a seroprevalence of 20.00% (16/80). Tissue-based ELISA demonstrated L. interrogans antigen positivity in 11.25% (9/80) of uterus samples, 6.25% (5/80) of mammary gland samples, and 15.00% (12/80) of kidney samples. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses yielded same results, with antigen detection rates of 7.50% (6/80) in uterus, 5.00% (4/80) in mammary gland and 11.25% (9/80) in kidney tissues. These findings confirmed the presence of L. interrogans in reproductive and renal tissues of sheep and highlighted the kidney as the primary site of colonization. The combined use of ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence provided complementary evidence for antigen detection and localization. Overall, the results contributed to a deeper understanding of leptospirosis pathogenesis in sheep and underscored the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches in livestock health management.

Keywords

ELISA
Immunofluorescent
Immunohistochemistry
Leptospira interrogans IgG
Sheep
Subjects
Veterinary Research Forum
Volume 17, Issue 10
October 2026
Pages 721-730

  • Receive Date 30 October 2025
  • Revise Date 06 January 2026
  • Accept Date 13 June 2026

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