ABSTRACT
Background: LipL32 is an outer membrane protein of pathogenic Leptospira. Humans and animals infected with Leptospira elicite strong immune responses to this protein. LipL32 induced cytokine expression in mouse proximal tubule cells which suggests its involvement in kidney immunopathogenesis. In addition to kidneys, livers and lungs are others organs frequently affected in leptospirosis. Objective: To demonstrate LipL32 expression in kidney, liver and lung tissues of hamsters infected with pathogenic Leptospira. Methods: RNA was extracted from kidney, liver and lung tissues of hamsters infected with pathogenic Leptospira. LipL32 expression in tissues was investigated using reverse transcription and nested PCR. Results: LipL32 mRNA expression was detected in kidney, liver and lung tissues of hamsters infected with pathogenic Leptospira. No PCR product was detected when tissues from non-infected hamsters were investigated. Conclusion: The data demonstrate that LipL32 is expressed in kidney, liver and lung tissues of animals infected with Leptospira. Further study is needed to demonstrate whether its expression is involved in pathogenesis in those organs.