Leptospira
Test code:
B0051 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of
Leptospira
bacteria by real time polymerase chain reaction. This test
detects but does not differentiate common
Leptospira
serovars.
Leptospirosis is a disease of worldwide significance that
infects many domestic and wildlife mammalian species, and humans.
The scientific name of the infecting organism is
Leptospira interrogans sensu
lato. Within this species there are many different
strains (serovars).
Leptospira
can be spread between animals through contact with infected
urine, venereal or placental transfer, or bite wounds. Indirect
transmission occurs through exposure of susceptible animals to
contaminated water sources, food, bedding or human hands.
Leptospira bacteria
can survive in manure up to 2 months. Stagnant or slow moving
water provides a suitable habitat; the organism can survive up
to 20 days in water. This explains why outbreaks often increase
during periods of flooding.
Fever,
shivering and muscle tenderness are among the first signs of
acute infection. Rapid dehydration may develop subsequently. In
subacute infections, the animal usually develops a fever,
anorexia, dehydration, and increased thirst. Animals with liver
involvement may develop icterus. Conjunctivitis and recurrent
uveitis may occur in chronic infections. Breeding success can be
impacted because of increased risk of abortion and decreased
milk production.
Although
Leptospira infection can be diagnosed by change in antibody
titers, titers may be negative during early stages of critical
infection. Thus an alternative method is needed to provide a
quick diagnosis of the disease at this stage. Molecular
detection of PCR is rapid, highly sensitive and specific. It is
suitable for quick diagnosis even during the first few days of
infection.
Utilities:
-
Help confirm the disease causing agent
-
Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical
diagnosis of Leptospira
infection.
-
Help ensure that herds and animal groups are free of
Leptospira
-
Early prevention of spread of this bacterium
-
Minimize personnel exposure to this bacterium
-
Safety monitoring of biological products that derive
from susceptible animals
Specimen requirements:
Urogenital
swab, cervical swab, or 0.2 ml urine, or 0.2 ml semen,
or 0.2 ml fresh, frozen or fixed tissue.
Contact Zoologix if advice is needed to determine an appropriate specimen type for a specific diagnostic application. For specimen types not listed here, please contact Zoologix to confirm specimen acceptability and shipping instructions.
For all
specimen types, if there will be a delay in shipping, or during
very warm weather, refrigerate specimens until shipped and ship
with a cold pack unless more stringent shipping requirements are
specified. Frozen specimens should be shipped so as to remain
frozen in transit. See shipping
instructions for more information.
Turnaround time:
2 business days
Methodology:
Qualitative
real time PCR
Normal range:
Nondetected
