Use of the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the IgM and IgG antibody response to Leptospira interrogans Serovar hardjo in pregnant ewes.

Fourteen pregnant ewes were inoculated with Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo via intramuscular injection or inoculation via the conjunctiva. The serological response to inoculation detected by the microscopic agglutination test was compared to IgM and IgG antibody levels detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Intramuscular injection produced a better serological response than conjunctival inoculation. The mean IgM response was short lived whereas the IgG antibody response and the MAT persisted for much longer. The IgM antibody levels may be useful as an indicator of recent exposure. Although leptospiruria was not established in any of the animals, 6 of the 14 pregnant ewes failed to rear a healthy lamb.