Project Number: 3625-32000-081-02
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Sep 05, 2006
End Date: Dec 31, 2010

Objective:
Study the development of immunity to Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo in cattle, comparing vaccinated and naive animals. This research specifically supports research in milestone Objective 3 for years 2 and 5, contributing to the characterization of immune responses to spirochetal proteins and leading to testing of Leptospira vaccine candidates.

Approach:
ARS will provide media and conduct PCR and fluorescent antibody and immune assays of clinical samples to help RTI interpret the infection data for their study being done on contract, and costs for these studies will be reimbursed by RTI. RTI will supply additional blood and tissue samples to ARS that will enable ARS to study specific aspects of the cattle immune response to infection. RTI needed additional bacteriological media, the most expensive portion of the reagent costs and a time critical element of the study. The additional funds requested are needed only to cover the costs of reagents allowing completion of the planned study. The current revision is to meet the needs of a new study involving the duration of immunity.