Method of providing protective immunity against heterologous leptospira strains
The present invention provides compositions and methods for eliciting protective immunity in animals against Leptospira interrogans (LI) serovar copenhageni . The invention is based, in part, on the unexpected cross-protection against heterologous LI serovar, which resulted when canines were administered an effective amount of RECOMBITEK® 4 Lepto, then subsequently challenged with virulent L. copenhageni (Fiocruz L1-130).
1. A method of providing a canine in need of protective immunity against Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni said immunity against Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni comprising administering to the canine a vaccine consisting essentially of an effective amount of a Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (LI) serovar, a Leptospira grippotyphosa serovar, a L. canicola serovar, and a L. pomona serovar.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (LI) serovar, the Leptospira grippotyphosa , the L. canicola serovar, and the L. pomona serovar are attenuated, such that they do not cause disease in the canine.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2 wherein the animal is administered about 1 ml of vaccine.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein the animal is administered 2 subcutaneous doses.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the 2 doses are administered at a 21-day interval.