PATHOGENESIS OF LEPTOSPIROSIS .1. HEMORRHAGES IN EXPERIMENTAL LEPTOSPIROSIS IN GUINEA-PIGS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 41  (2) , 174-181
Abstract
In experimental infections of guinea pigs with a virulent strain of Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae widespread hemorrhages were observed. Thrombocytopenia; prolongation of prothrombin, thrombin, partial thromboplastin and coagulation times; decrease of plasma fibrinogen, factor V and factor VIII; and the presence of fibrinogen degradation products were demonstrated. Treatment of infected guinea pigs with heparin prolonged life for 2-3 days. The histological observations revealed that the main lesion is a severe injury of the vasculature, mainly arteries, arterioles and capillaries. Most of the endothelial cells are affected or destroyed and the muscular fibers of arteries and arterioles are injured. Martius-Scarlet-Blue, Weigert or Picro-Mallory stains showed that the organization seen in the vessels is not all made of fibrin. The hemorrhages observed in experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs are apparently due to disseminated intravascular coagulation.