The serological and genetic diversity of the Leptospira interrogans Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup circulating in the UK

Abstract

Strains of Leptospira interrogans belonging to two very closely related serovars, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Copenhageni, have been associated with disease in mammalian species and are the most frequently reported agents of human leptospirosis. They are considered the most pathogenic serovars and represent more than half of the leptospires encountered in severe human infections.

Keywords

• leptospira
• leptospirosis
• icterohaemorrhagiae
• copenhageni
• animal pathogens