Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How long Leptospira vaccine antibodies last in dogs
By Martin, L E R et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2014·Department of Clinical Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Vaccine-associated Leptospira antibodies in client-owned dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of healthy dogs were vaccinated with one of four different Leptospira vaccines to see how their bodies responded over time. The study found that while all vaccines triggered some level of antibody response, the strength and duration of that response varied significantly among the different vaccines. Most dogs had low or no detectable antibodies a year after vaccination, which means that having antibodies doesn't guarantee protection against leptospirosis, a serious infection. This information is important for pet owners and vets when considering vaccination and diagnosing potential infections.
People also search for: dog leptospirosis vaccine effectiveness · how long does leptospirosis vaccine last · dog vaccination antibody response
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Long-term microscopic agglutination test (MAT) results after vaccination with 4-serovar Leptospira vaccines are not available for all vaccines used in client-owned dogs. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine antibody responses of client-owned dogs given 1 of 4 commercially available Leptospira vaccines. ANIMALS: Healthy client-owned dogs (n = 32) with no history of Leptospira vaccination for at least the previous year. METHODS: Dogs were given 1 of 4 Leptospira vaccines on week 0 and then approximately on week 3 and week 52. Sera were collected before vaccine administration on week 0 and then within 3 days of week 3, within 2 days of week 4, and approximately on weeks 7, 15, 29, 52, and 56. Antibody titers against Leptospira serovars bratislava, canicola, grippotyphosa, hardjo, icterohemorrhagiae, and pomona and were determined by MAT. RESULTS: When compared among vaccines, MAT results varied in maximal titers, the serovars inducing maximal titers, and the time required to reach maximal titers. Each vaccine induced at least some MAT titers ≥1 : 800. Most dogs were negative for antibodies against all serovars 1 year after vaccination, and anamnestic responses were variable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Dogs vaccinated with Leptospira vaccines have variable MAT titers over time, and antibodies should not be used to predict resistance to Leptospira infection. MAT titers ≥1 : 800 can develop after Leptospira spp. vaccination, which can complicate the clinical diagnosis of leptospirosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24597674/