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. 1978 Mar;35(3):492–499. doi: 10.1128/aem.35.3.492-499.1978

Distribution of the genus Leptospira in soil and water.

R A Henry, R C Johnson
PMCID: PMC242868  PMID: 637546

Abstract

The distribution of the aerobic spirochetes Leptospira in surface waters, soil, and aquatic animals was investigated. Isolates from water and soil exhibited physiological characteristics common to members of the "biflexa complex," none were capable of infecting experimental animals, and leptospires could not be isolated from the eight genera of aquatic animals examined. The isolation frequencies from surface waters were: stream, 100%; lake, 65%; spring, 28%; bog lake, 5%; and marsh, 0%. With the exception of the stream, more isolations were obtained from the soil adjacent to the water than from the water. Leptospires were most frequently associated with soils of high moisture and organic matter content.

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Selected References

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