A study on the relationship dose-effect in case of gamma irradiation on leptospira

The influence of gamma rays in doses 400, 2000, 10000 and 100000 rads upon two serotypes of leptospira has been examined. The development of the leptospira after the irradiation was traced upon a dark field of vision and by counting in Petroff-chamber. The morphological and functional changes (size, agility, reproduction and degree of lysis) have been determined and proved to be dependent on the dose. Differences in the indices have been observed in the pathogenic (L.Pomona (local strain Tsalapitsa)) and sapropyte (L.Thraciae (local strain Bulgaria 4)) serotypes, the saprophytic one being more resistant. The age of the culture was significant for the degree of the observed changes. Regarding the eventual practical use of the present study for obtaining killed leptospira antigens doses of 10000 and 100000 rad which are dependent of the age and the pathogenicity of the culture might be taken into consideration. (author)