The effects of Leptospira serotype pomona in sheep of different haemoglobin types

Authors: Hodges RT, Revfeim KJA, Millar KR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 24, Issue 8, pp 163-166, Aug 1976
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Circulatory system/haematology, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Zoonosis, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Public health
Article class: Scientific Article

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Abstract: In the majority of adult sheep there are one or both of two genetically determined haemaglobin types designated Hb-A or Hb-B. The three phenotypes are A, AB or B. These haemoglobin types can be identified by differences in electrophoretic moblility (Harris and Warren, Evans et al 1956). A third haemoglobin type, designated Hb-C, is associated with the Hb-A gene and is produced under conditions resulting in anaemia (Blunt and Evans, 1963). There is slme evidence of a relationship between haemoglobin types and variations in certain physiological characteristics or productive traits (Agar et al 1972). In an earlier study of experimental Leptospira serotype pomona infectioln in sheep it was found that the severity of the resultant haemoglobinuria and anaemia did not appear to be related to the number of leptospirae inoculated (Holdges, 1974). Attempts to produce so-called “typical” clinical manifestations of leptospirosis in farm livestock under experimental conditions are frequently unsuccessful. The object of this investigation was to determine whether sheep of different haemoglobin types varied in their response following inoculation with Leptospira serotype pomona.

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