[DNA hybridization and identification of Leptospira serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae with Leptospira recombinant DNA probes].

Two recombinant DNA probes-PLIpso1 (15kb) and PLIEc34 (4kb), derived from Leptospira serovaricterohaemorrhagiae genomic libraries, were applied for the hybridization and identification of 13 strains of Leptospira in serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae. Difference in hybridization signal in combination with the banding pattern provide a good way for identification of serovars and strains. The recombinant DNA, specific to L. serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae, hybridized with a limited number of DNA fragments which had been digested by several restriction endonucleases. The less complex banding pattern and higher sensitivity facilitate characterization of various serovars and strains in serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae. In general the DNA patterns recognized by both probes have extensive genomic homology in same serovar (but still can distinguish strains in same serovar by some unique bands) and apparent difference in various serovars (especially serovars naam, nanxi and honghe). The results indicated that Southern blotting with recombinant DNA probe might provide tools for identification, characterization and analysis of leptospira.