Leptospira interrogans serotype pomona infection : a study in host-parasite relationships : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University

Abstract

This study is an attempt to investigate the relationship between the bacterial pathogen, Leptospira interrogans serotype pomona and some of its mammalian hosts and their cells. Using tissue culture techniques and other in vitro systems, attempts are made to define the parasite - host cell relationship and subsequently the study is extended to the whole mammalian host as exemplified by experimental infections in the sheep and suckling mice. Of particular interest are the mechanisms by which L. interrogans serotype pomona produces disease and also the method by which it arrives and colonises the renal tubules at a time when specific antibody is at a high level in the host. An indirect benefit of this work has been the accumulation of a considerable amount of new information concerning experimental loptospirosis in sheep.