Expression and purification of LipL32 recombinant protein of Leptospira interrogans in different E.coli strains

Background Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by the infection of pathogenic bacteria of the genera Leptospira, often transmitted by direct or indirect contact with urine of infected animal hosts [1]. In national territory, leptospirosis is considered an endemic disease, with high incidence in raining seasons, but occurring during the whole year [2]. From all the cases, 15% evolve to the icteric form, with serious clinic manifestations, as severe icteric, hemorrhages and kidney disease, including lethal onset in 50% of the cases [3]. From all membrane proteins LipL32 is the most abundant and found in all pathogenic species of Leptospira. Saprophytic strains do not express LipL32, making the detection of the protein or the detection of specific antibody a potential toll for the development of a laboratorial diagnosis [4].