In Vivo Biofilm Formation of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. in the Vitreous Humor of Horses with Recurrent Uveitis

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) causes painful inflammatory attacks and oftentimes blindness in the affected eyes. The disease is considered a late sequela of systemic leptospirosis. most effective therapy surgical removal vitreous (vitrectomy), which not only therapeutic, but provides material that can be assessed diagnostically. For example, lipL32 gene, culturable Leptospira spp., anti-Leptospira antibodies have all been detected samples obtained from eyes with chronic ERU. Despite this clear evidence leptospiral involvement, administration antibiotics infected horses ineffective at resolving This syndrome inflammation, unresponsive to antibiotic therapy, combined apparent bacteria evading immune response, consistent biofilm-associated infection. purpose study, therefore, was detect vivo biofilm formation spp. collected during vitrectomy examined using Warthin-Starry silver stain immunohistochemistry. All known steps were visualized these samples, including individual microcolonies dense roundish accumulations In many instances spirochetes surrounded by an extracellular substance. Taken together, data present study show ERU intraocular infection, best explains typical clinical course.