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

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Gizem Eser 1
Yavuz Selim Sağlam 2

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

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

10.30466/vrf.2026.2071180.4903
Abstract
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 (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF).
ELISA testing of sera revealed leptospiral antibodies in 16 animals, corresponding to a seroprevalence of 20% (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% (12/80) of kidney samples. IHC and IF analyses yielded same results, with antigen detection rates of 7.5% (6/80) in uterus, 5% (4/80) in mammary gland, and 11.25% (9/80) in kidney tissues.
These findings confirm the presence of L. interrogans in reproductive and renal tissues of sheep and highlight the kidney as the primary site of colonization. The combined use of ELISA, IHC, and IF provided complementary evidence for antigen detection and localization. Overall, the results contribute to a deeper understanding of leptospirosis pathogenesis in sheep and underscore the importance of comprehensive diagnostic approaches in livestock health management.

Keywords

Keywords: ELISA
Immunohistochemical
Immunofluorescent
Sheep
L. interrogans IgG
Subjects
Veterinary Research Forum

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 September 2026

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

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