Evaluation of Oxidative Stress Parameters in Leptospira Infected Sheep

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection with zoonotic character which is widespread all over the world, especially in humid and temperate regions and poses a serious threat to public health. In this study, 94 sheep blood sera sent to Samsun Veterinary Control Institute Directorate with suspicion of leptospirosis were firstly subjected to ELISA test for leptospirosis antibodies. Total thiol, Native thiol, Disulphide, Native thiol/Total thiol, Disulphide/Native thiol, Disulphide/Total thiol, MDA levels and ADA activity were evaluated in the samples. According to the results of the ELISA test performed in our study, 16 sheep serum samples were found to be positive for Leptospira interrogans ser. hardjo, while 78 samples were found to be negative. In order to evaluate the effect of leptospirosis on oxidative stress parameters, 15 positive serum samples and 15 negative serum samples taken from healthy sheep were used as control group. According to the results of biochemical analyses; Total thiol, Native thiol, Disulphide, Native thiol/Total thiol, Disulphide/Native thiol, Disulphide/Total thiol values in the Leptospira group were not significantly different from those in the control group. However, MDA values and ADA activity in the Leptospira group were significantly higher than those in the control group. As a result, it was determined that oxidant-antioxidant balance was disturbed in sheep infected with Leptospira and oxidative stress occurred as a result. Our findings suggest that MDA and ADA activity can be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of Leptospirosis and may give an idea about the severity of the disease.