scholarly journals Dark brown serum and plasma samples

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 320-324
Author(s):  
Lora Dukic ◽  
Nikolina Maric ◽  
Ana-Maria Simundic
Keyword(s):  
Blood Count ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Reference Interval ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Arterial Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Reflex Testing ◽  
Colicky Pain ◽  
Hb Concentration

This case report describes occurrence of unusual, dark brown coloration of citrate plasma and serum samples in a female 68 years old patient admitted into Emergency department (ED). Patient complained of nausea and vomiting, fever up to 38.9°C, colicky pain in abdomen, diminished urinary output and yellowish skin tone. Her medical history included arterial hypertension, hypothyroidism and facial squamous cell carcinoma. For previous two years, she was treated with tuberculostatic therapy for Mycobacterium avium positive interstitial lung disease. Regular follow-up showed no signs of active disease. Upon admission to ED, complete blood count (CBC) analysis showed low red blood count (RBC) (3.76 x1012/L (reference interval (RI) 3.86 – 5.08 x1012/L)), low haemoglobin (Hb) concentration (111 g/L (RI 119 - 157 g/L)) and low haematocrit (Hct) (0.310 L/L (RI 0.360 – 0.470 L/L)). Biochemistry analytes were high, with foremost lactate dehydrogenase (LD) activity (2900 U/L, RI < 240 U/L). After communication with the clinician, methaemoglobin measured in arterial blood gas sample was reported. Patient was admitted to the Intensive care unit and upon reflex testing of haptoglobin, intravascular haemolysis was confirmed. This case indicates that every case of brown coloration of the serum must be promptly communicated to the clinician. Reflex testing assured timely diagnosis and favourable patient outcome.

Reference intervals for venous blood gas measurement in adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsty L. Ress ◽  
Gus Koerbin ◽  
Ling Li ◽  
Douglas Chesher ◽  
Phillip Bwititi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Partial Pressure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Reference Interval ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Venous Blood Gas

AbstractObjectivesVenous blood gas (VBG) analysis is becoming a popular alternative to arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis due to reduced risk of complications at phlebotomy and ease of draw. In lack of published data, this study aimed to establish reference intervals (RI) for correct interpretation of VBG results.MethodsOne hundred and 51 adult volunteers (101 females, 50 males 18–70 y), were enrolled after completion of a health questionnaire. Venous blood was drawn into safePICO syringes and analysed on ABL827 blood gas analyser (Radiometer Pacific Pty. Ltd.). A non-parametric approach was used to directly establish the VBG RI which was compared to a calculated VBG RI based on a meta-analysis of differences between ABG and VBGResultsAfter exclusions, 134 results were used to derive VBG RI: pH 7.30–7.43, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) 38–58 mmHg, partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) 19–65 mmHg, bicarbonate (HCO3−) 22–30 mmol/L, sodium 135–143 mmol/L, potassium 3.6–4.5 mmol/L, chloride 101–110 mmol/L, ionised calcium 1.14–1.29 mmol/L, lactate 0.4–2.2 mmol/L, base excess (BE) −1.9–4.5 mmol/L, saturated oxygen (sO2) 23–93%, carboxyhaemoglobin 0.4–1.4% and methaemoglobin 0.3–0.9%. The meta-analysis revealed differences between ABG and VBG for pH, HCO3−, pCO2 and pO2 of 0.032, −1.0 mmol/L, −4.2 and 39.9 mmHg, respectively. Using this data along with established ABG RI, calculated VBG RI of pH 7.32–7.42, HCO3− 23 – 27 mmol/L, pCO2 36–49 mmHg (Female), pCO2 39–52 mmHg (Male) and pO2 43–68 mmHg were formulated and compared to the VBG RI of this study.ConclusionsAn adult reference interval has been established to assist interpretation of VBG results.

scholarly journals Assessment of Accuracy of Continuous Noninvasive versus Invasive Method of Hemoglobin Estimation in Patients Undergoing Pituitary Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 05 (03) ◽  
pp. 168-172
Author(s):  
Indu Kapoor ◽  
Charu Mahajan ◽  
Ruhi Mamuliya ◽  
Hemanshu Prabhakar
Keyword(s):  
Pituitary Surgery ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
P Value ◽  
Arterial Line ◽  
Female Ratio ◽  
Arterial Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Invasive Method ◽  
American Society ◽  
Hb Concentration

Abstract Aim Determination of hemoglobin (Hb) concentration by standard methods is time consuming, invasive, and intermittent. Noninvasive (NI) methods of Hb estimation are less time consuming, and reduce the risk of infection, number of required working personnel, and long-term costs. In this study, we aimed to find the accuracy of Hb values at various time points using noninvasive (NI) Hb monitoring and standard invasive techniques such as laboratory (LabHb) and arterial blood gas (ABG). Methods All American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical grade I and II adult patients between 18 and 65 years of either gender undergoing pituitary surgery under general anesthesia were included over a period of 1 year. Samples were collected for Hb estimation from the arterial line (aHb) using ABG analyzer machine and LabHb using automated Hb analyzer. Simultaneously, Hb reading from the NI Hb monitor was recorded using Masimo Spot Hemoglobin Check Device. Bland–Altman plot was used to find out agreement between Hb values drawn from three different techniques. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 30 patients participated in the study. The male to female ratio was 13:17. Statistical analysis showed poor correlation between the invasive and NI methods of Hb estimation. Conclusion NI method of Hb estimation may be successfully used in clinical practice, replacing estimation from ABG analysis or laboratory tests. However, NI method cannot replace the invasive methods of Hb estimation.

scholarly journals Mammary Gland Malignant Myoepithelioma in a Domestic Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Halana Do Carmo Silva ◽  
Avisa Rodrigues De Oliveira ◽  
Rodrigo Dos Santos Horta ◽  
Betânia Souza Moereira ◽  
Tatiany Luiza Silveira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mammary Gland ◽  
Lymph Node ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Blood Count ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Inguinal Lymph Node ◽  
Serum Biochemistry ◽  
Domestic Rabbit ◽  
Mitotic Figures

Background: Malignant myoepithelioma is a rare neoplasm in humans and rats, poorly reported in dogs and not previously described in rabbits. This study aimed to report a case of malignant mammary myoepithelioma in a domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Case: A domestic, hybrid, female, entire, nulliparous, seven-year-old rabbit was attended in the Veterinary Hospital Prof. Ricardo Alexandre Hippler at Universidade Vila Velha (UVV) with a history of apathy, lethargy and anorexia. In the clinical examination a 5 cm tumour was observed in the right abdominal mammary gland (M2), along with floating smaller lesions in M1 and M3. There were no palpable abnormalities in the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry were within the normal range. Fine needle aspiration was performed for cytopathological evaluation of the tumour in M2 and it was suggestive of a malignant glandular neoplasm, with probable epithelial origin. Complete staging included chest and abdominal radiographs, but they were unremarkable. The patient was submitted to a right unilateral mastectomy, involving resection of the inguinal lymph node. The sample was sent to the Laboratory of Animal Pathology of UVV for routine histological evaluation. Histopathological evaluation in M2 was compatible with malignant myoepithelioma based on the literature, while nodules in M1 and M3 were classified as mammary cysts. The inguinal lymph node showed no significant abnormalities. An immunohistochemical panel was performed in the Comparative Pathology Laboratory of the Institute of Biological Sciences of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), using immunomarkers (pan-cytokeratin, p63 and vimentin) to characterize the tumour and confirm its diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry revealed expression of p63, and was negative for pan-cytokeratin and vimentin, which confirmed the myoepithelial origin, without involvement of the epithelial compartment. Clinical follow-up was recommended every 2-3 months, including abdominal ultrasonography, chest X-rays, complete blood count and serum biochemistry. Ultrasonography showed thinning of the uterine wall, dilation of 3.7 cm in diameter and presence of endometrial cysts of varied sizes, around 0.7 cm. Neutering was recommended but it was not elected by the pet´s responsible. These findings remained stable throughout the follow-up, which was greater than 405 days.Discussion: This is the first report of a malignant myoepithelioma in rabbit, with a detailed description of the clinical, surgical, pathological and immunophenotypic aspects of this neoplasm in this species. This is a tumour characterized by proliferation of epithelioid to spindle-like myoepithelial cells, as observed in this case, forming an extensive and well delimited solid area with marked central necrosis, compatible with what has already been described in the literature on bitches and women. As observed in this case, the neoplastic cells usually exhibit moderate cellular and nuclear pleomorphism, moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, and several mitotic figures; different from what is observed in women, in which mitotic figures vary from small to moderate amount. Neoplasia and mammary cysts were removed by mastectomy, and the owner choose not to castrate the animal. On ultrasonography, after 12 months, the endometrium presented structures similar to cysts and was hyperplastic, which is commonly reported in association to mammary neoplasia. Nervertheless, the pet´s owner choose not to spay the rabbit and the lesions were stable on imaging follow-up

scholarly journals Inflammatory Pattern of Eosinophilic COPD Involving 12/15-LOX Lipid Signals Expressed by Eosinophils

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuanxu Cai ◽  
Shuyan Wang ◽  
Huakui Yue ◽  
Danting Zhan ◽  
Yimin Zha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Blood Count ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Pulmonary Function Tests ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Blood Eosinophil ◽  
Treatment Interventions ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Inflammatory Pattern

Abstract Background and objective:Eosinophilic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been recognized as an inflammatory pattern which is importance for precise treatment interventions among COPD. However, the studies about eosinophilic COPD show conflicting results and the role of eosinophils in COPD remains unclear. In this study, LC-MS/MS-based mediator lipidomics was to determine the expression status of lipid signals in non-eosinophilic and eosinophilic COPD.Method:A totally 80 patients with COPD including 40 eosinophilic COPD and 40 non-eosinophilic COPD were enrolled over 12 months. Clinical characteristics information record, pulmonary function tests, complete blood count, serum metabolites analysis and other clinical tests were performed at baseline and follow-up. Results:There were no significant differences in pulmonary function or pulmonary function decline between eosinophilic COPD and non-eosinophilic COPD after follow-up. However, eosinophilic COPD have higher numbers of acute exacerbation patient in the last 1 year. Complete blood count (CBC) data demonstrated that Δblood eosinophil count (BEC) was significantly decreased and correlated with ΔFEV1 (% Predicted) (r = 0.314, P = 0.036) in eosinophilic COPD. Furthermore, compared to non-eosinophilic COPD, a series of 12/15-LOX-derived mediators were found increased in eosinophilic COPD. Among them, 17-HDoHE was found significantly decreased after follow-up and significantly correlated with ΔBEC (r= 0.336, P= 0.023).Conclusion:This study demonstrates that metabolic levels of non-eosinophilic COPD and eosinophilic COPD were different due to the huge difference in eosinophil level, which leads to different inflammatory patterns, and the 12/15-LOX metabolic pathway was one of them. The results might help to understand the inflammatory response and lipid metabolism of eosinophilic COPD.

Lymphopenia as a prognostic factor in renal cell carcinoma.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 470-470
Author(s):  
Mohammad Mozayen ◽  
Anteneh Tesfaye ◽  
Khalil Katato
Keyword(s):  
Renal Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
African Americans ◽  
Prognostic Factor ◽  
Cell Carcinoma ◽  
Renal Cell ◽  
Blood Count ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Study Population

470 Background: Lymphopenia is known to be a negative prognostic marker for NHL and hematological malignancies, recent observational studies evaluated the presence of lymphopenia and its impact in solid tumor like colon, lung and pancreatic cancer. We aim to assess the effect of Lymphopenia at the renal cell carcinoma (RCC) survival. Methods: A retrospective review of 207 patients diagnosed with RCC between 1995 and 2008 in a community hospital setting was done. Patients with additional malignancies, lymphoma of the kidneys, with no follow up data or no preoperative complete blood count test were excluded. Demographics, preoperative complete blood count, pathology, disease stage, operative note, and subsequent follow up data were reviewed. Lymphopenia was defined as absolute lymphocytic count < 1200/µl. Last follow up date was used to calculate the 3 year overall survival. The primary outcome was 3 year overall survival. Results: A total of 207 patients were included in the study. Caucasians were 176(85.9%), African Americans were 13.7% and Asians were 1(0.5%). Males (M) were 127 (62.3%) and females (F) were 77(37.7%). The median age of the study population was 65 (22-91. Clear cell histology was seen in 79%. Stage I was seen in 53.9%, II in 23.5%, III in 13.7% and IV in 8.8% of the study population. Lymphopenia was seen in 81 (40%) patients (95 CI 34-48). Lymphopenia was seen in 31.8% of stage I; 50% of stage II, 41.4% of stage III, and 65% of stage IV patients (p=0.017). Lymphopenia was seen in 28.6% of African Americans and 42.7% of Caucasians (p=0.11). Lymphopenia was seen in 32.1% of females and 45.7% of males (p=0.03). The 3 year overall survival for the study population was 67.3% (95% CI: 60.4-73.7). The 3-year overall survival for patients with lymphopenia was 60.5%, compared to 73.6% in non-lymphopenic patients (p=0.04). Conclusions: Lymphopenia was seen to be higher among males and Caucasians, more frequently at advanced stage at diagnosis. Patients with lymphopenia were observed to have significantly worse survival when compared to patients with normal lymphocytic count in RCC. We conclude that lymphopenia is considered as a negative prognostic factor for RCC, and needed to be studied in the correlation of other known prognostic factors.

scholarly journals Outcome of ventilation in patients with hypercapnic respiratory failure in IPF patients: A prospective study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 111-115
Author(s):  
Manjunath Hunasenahalli Krishnappa ◽  
Prasanna Kumar Thimmarayappa ◽  
Vivek Nangia ◽  
Rajat Chatterji
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽  
Arterial Blood Gas ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Diffuse Parenchymal Lung Disease ◽  
Gas Measurements

Background: Diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) is the inflammation and fibrosis of lung interstitium, resulting in respiratory failure. The rate of hypoxic respiratory failure is high as the disease progresses. In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, acute deterioration leads to type 2 respiratory failure, etiology and management of which remains to be completely understood. Aims and Objectives: To identify the causes of type 2 respiratory failure and assess the outcome of invasive and non-invasive ventilation in patients with IPF. Materials and Methods: This prospective single center study included >18-year-old 44 patients with IPF. History of patients, complete blood count, chest radiograph, urine routine, spirometry with bronchodilator reversibility, DLCO (diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide) testing, arterial blood gas measurements, and antinuclear antibody (ANA) test were evaluated. Results: Fourteen (31.8%) patients developed type 2 respiratory failure (within 1.5–6 years from the time of onset of illness). Causes of respiratory failure included acute exacerbation of IPF (35.71%), infections (14.29%), heart failure (14.29%), ischemic heart disease (14.29%), pulmonary embolism (21.43%), pneumothorax (7.14%), and surgical lung biopsy (7.14%). Patients were initiated on non-invasive mechanical ventilation (NIV) (64.29%) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (35.71%). Eight (88.89%) out of 9 patients on NIV survived, whereas all 5 patients (100%) on IMV expired. Conclusion: Considering the higher mortality rate associated with IMV, NIV is a better technique than IMV for improving patient outcome and management. NIV may be effectively implemented for improving the treatment outcome in patients with IPF and avoiding any aggressive therapeutic approaches.

scholarly journals Acidose Tubular Renal Distal: Expressão Clínica Variável na Mesma Família

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 542
Author(s):  
Daniela Ramos ◽  
Sofia Reis ◽  
Carolina Cordinhã ◽  
Carmen Do Carmo ◽  
Clara Gomes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Tubular Acidosis ◽  
Chronic Renal Disease ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis ◽  
Arterial Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
First Case ◽  
Hyperchloremic Metabolic Acidosis ◽  
Renal Tubular

Primary distal renal tubular acidosis is a genetic disorder characterized by the inability in acidification of urine. Symptoms are usually non-specific and highly variable. We described six cases in a family with four generations affected. The first case was diagnosed in a 3-year-old child presenting with hematuria and urolithiasis. Later, his sister, sons and two nephews were studied. Although asymptomatic, they all had nephrocalcinosis and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis with normal anionic gap, except one case with normal arterial blood gas test but with nephrocalcinosis and inability of urinary acidification. At follow-up, they all maintained nephrocalcinosis, the index case had acute renal damage and developed hypertension, but none developed chronic renal disease. The diagnosis of autosomal dominant distal renal tubular acidosis is generally made later and patients tend to present with milder disease. But the condition may manifest early and have a variable phenotypic severity spectrum. Carrying out screening through assessment of family history enables an earlier diagnosis while also allowing treatment to start sooner.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Complete Blood Count Reference Intervals in Healthy Elderly Versus Younger Korean Adults: A Large Population Study

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4708-4708
Author(s):  
Young Kyung Lee ◽  
Eun Jin Lee ◽  
Miyoung Kim ◽  
Eunyup Lee ◽  
Kibum Jeon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Count ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reference Interval ◽  
Reference Intervals ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Elderly Koreans ◽  
Lower Limits

Abstract Background: The use of laboratory reference intervals based on younger populations is of questionable validity in older populations. We established reference intervals for 16 complete blood count (CBC) parameters in healthy elderly Koreans aged ≥60 years and compared them to those of individuals aged 20-59 years. Methods: Among 64,532 individuals (39,609 men and 24,923 women) aged ≥20 years who underwent medical check-ups, 8,151 healthy subjects (12.6%, 5,270 men and 2,881 women, including 675 and 511, respectively, who were ≥60 years of age) were enrolled based on stringent criteria including laboratory, imaging, and endoscopy results; previous medical history; and medication history. CBC parameters were measured using an Advia2120i instrument. The difference between 2 age groups in subjects of each sex was compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The reference intervals for measured CBC parameters were established according to a nonparametric method based on the CLSI EP28A-3C in each subgroup. The 90% confidence intervals for the upper and lower limits of each reference interval were calculated; the Reed method was used to remove extreme outliers. The Harris and Boyd method was used to determine the necessity of separating the reference intervals for different age groups within each sex group. To identify reference intervals in different age groups in individuals aged 60 years and over, such individuals of each sex were subdivided into 5 age subgroups with 5-year age interval: since the sizes of 4 of these subgroups were not sufficiently large, we used the Robust method. Results: A statistical difference in the medians of the following parameters were observed between the <60- and ≥60-year age groups: RBC, Hb, hematocrit (Hct), basophils, and platelets in men aged <60 years were higher than those in men aged ≥60 years; furthermore, MCV, MCH, and RDW in men aged ≥60 years were higher than those in men aged <60 years. Neutrophils in women aged <60 years were higher than in those aged ≥60 years. Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, lymphocytes, and basophils in women aged ≥60 years were higher than in those aged <60 years. Separate reference intervals were required only for RDW and MCH in women ≥60 from those < 60 years of age. Men aged ≥60 years versus those <60 years did not require separate reference intervals for any of the 16 measured parameters. In subjects aged ≥60 years, RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, WBC, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, MPV, and PDW were higher in men than in women, while the opposite was true for lymphocytes and platelets. Partitioning of reference intervals by sex was required for RBC, Hb, Hct, MCH, monocytes, and eosinophils. In men, median values and the lower limits of the reference intervals for RBC, Hb, and Hct tended to decrease with advancing age. The upper and lower limits of reference intervals for WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and MPV also showed increasing and decreasing tendencies, respectively, widening the reference intervals as the subjects aged (except in the 70-74-year-old group for men). Among women, the lower limits of the reference intervals for RBC, Hb, and Hct showed a tendency to decrease with increasing age for those >70 years of age; however, the median values did not show such a tendency. The reference interval for PDW narrowed as women aged. Separate reference intervals were required among men for MCH and eosinophils in the 70-74-year group, and for basophils in the 65-69-year group. Among women, separate reference intervals were required for MCV in the 65-69-year group; for MCH in the 60-64, 65-69, and ≥75-years groups; and for RDW in all the 4 elderly age subgroups. Conclusion: Healthy elderly Koreans can use the same reference intervals as younger populations. Thus, abnormal CBC results may not necessarily be attributable to physiologic changes but possible underlying diseases that should be investigated. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Challenges on the Follow-Up Experimental Leptospiral Infection in Sheep

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Ribeiro Rocha ◽  
Matheus Costa Da Rosa ◽  
Lucas Correia ◽  
Gabriel Martins ◽  
Odir Antônio Dellagostin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Infection ◽  
Blood Count ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Carrier Status ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Reliable Parameter

Background: Leptospirosis is currently a source of significant economic losses in the agribusiness; as such, experimental studies on this infection are required to develop a better understanding of the pathogenesis, treatment, and immunoprophylaxis of the disease. Sheep may represent a good model for ruminants in such models. Despite the extent of the studies that has been conducted thus far, researchers have yet to reach a consensus on the experimental practices to apply for leptospirosis in this animal species, and several gaps in understanding remain. To bridge these gaps, the present study aimed to assess the usage of several tools for the monitoring of experimental leptospirosis in sheep.Material, Methods & Results: Twelve Santa Ines sheep of different ages were each allocated to one of four groups (A, B, C, and D). The subjects in groups A, B, and C received different doses of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohemorrhagiae by intraperitoneal route, 1x102, 1x105, and 1x108 respectively. Group D was the control. Hematological, biochemical and clinical parameters were evaluated daily. Serology by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and PCR were performed to evaluate the infection status. The most remarkable clinical signs were fever (41ºC) and dehydration, and acute pain (cub). Two animals from Group C presented leukocytosis. Only those in Group C exhibited positive results according to serology, while positivity in PCR was observed in animals in groups A and C. The results of the experiment indicated that sheep may be experimentally infected and can, therefore, be used as a model for leptospirosis in ruminants. Clinical signs cannot be considered to represent a reliable parameter for evaluating the development of leptospirosis in experimentally infected sheep. We recommend the use of urine PCR and serology to confirm the infection in experimentally infected animals and daily complete blood count (CBC) as a follow-up tool.Discussion: It was observed that the clinical signs cannot be considered as a reliable parameter to evaluate the pathogenesis in experimentally infected ewes, being important to emphasize that the age of the animals does not seem to alter their susceptibility to the infection. This finding is in agreement with other experimental studies, which report that leptospirosis infection in ruminants occurs asymptomatic and subclinical. Hematological and biochemical tests proved to be adequate tools to monitor the experimental infection. Studies have shown that the complete blood count has been used to monitor the acute phase of leptospirosis and is effective in detecting anemia and leukocytosis with neutrophilia in ruminants. Despite the lack of clinical signs, the serological and molecular results confirmed the experimental infection. PCR has been used as an important tool in the diagnosis of leptospirosis. In addition, the current study is the first of its kind to use PCR to detect the carrier status in experimentally infected ewes. Despite this limitation, PCR was very effective in confirming the infection and should be considered for use in experimental studies. Sheep have been used as a good experimental model in several studies, sheep are relatively small compared to other ruminants and can be easily allocated in smaller pens and pens, facilitating the management of research and minimizing the costs of experimentation. In this context, we suggest that sheep represent a good model for the study of leptospirosis in ruminants and therefore a reliable protocol for experimental infection by leptospirosis is necessary.

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