ViroStat has released a set of new monoclonal antibodies to the lipoprotein LipL41, an abundant surface lipoprotein found on pathogenic species of Leptospira.
These new antibodies form pairs to detect this marker via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thus they have the potential to serve in additional immunoassay detection applications.
Leptospira are spiral shaped bacteria, several of which are pathogenic causing the infection leptospirosis. Animals including dogs and rodents can transmit infection to humans, usually through contact with infected urine. The Leptospira enter the bloodstream and can lead to kidney failure or pulmonary bleeding. The recommended treatment is doxycycline.
Pathogenic Leptospira include species such as L. interrogans and L. kirschneri, which can be differentiated from non-pathogenic species by several markers. Chief among these markers are several outer membrane lipoproteins.
The data sheet for these new monoclonal antibodies can be downloaded from the ViroStat website.