dog and cat assay data sheet

Leptospira

Test code: B0051 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of Leptospira by real time polymerase chain reaction

Leptospirosis is a disease of worldwide significance that infects both animals and humans. The scientific name of the infecting organism is Leptospira interrogans sensu lato. Within this species there are many different strains (serovars), eight of which are of importance for dogs and cats. These eight strains produce different levels and types of disease depending on the animals they infect.

Although cats are susceptible to infection, they rarely show signs of disease and can become carriers. The disease is a more significant problem in dogs, people, and livestock. Vaccines are available, but they are only effective for one or two of the more common strains. Current canine vaccines protect against the serovars canicola and icterohaemorrhagiae. These two serovars have been decreasing as a percentage of the total number of infections, but unfortunately other serovars that infect dogs such as grippotyphosa, pomona, and bratislava have increased.

Leptospira can be spread between animals through contact with infected urine, venereal or placental transfer, bite wounds, or the ingestion of infected tissue. Crowded living conditions, as found in kennels, can spread the infection. Indirect transmission occurs through exposure of susceptible animals to contaminated water sources, food, or even bedding. Stagnant or slow moving water provides a suitable habitat for Leptospira; this explains why disease outbreaks often increase during periods of flooding.

A high fever of 103-104°, shivering and muscle tenderness are among the first signs of acute infection. Vomiting and rapid dehydration may develop subsequently. Severely infected dogs may develop hypothermia and become depressed and die before kidney or liver failure has a chance to develop.

In subacute infections, the animal usually develops a fever, anorexia, vomiting, dehydration, and increased thirst. The dog may be reluctant to move due to muscle or kidney pain. Animals with liver involvement may develop icterus. Infected dogs with kidney or liver involvement may begin to show improvement in organ function after 2 to 3 weeks or they may develop chronic renal failure.

Despite the possibility of severe infection and death, the majority of leptospiral infections in dogs are chronic or subclinical. Dogs that become chronically infected may show no outward signs, but may intermittently shed bacteria in the urine for months or years. Routine monitoring of pet dogs is thus strongly suggested.

Although Leptospira infection can be diagnosed by change in antibody titers, titers may be negative during the first 10 days 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 especially suitable for quick diagnosis during the first days of infection.

Utilities:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of Leptospira infection
• Ensure that animal groups are free of Leptospira
• Early prevention of spread of Leptospira between animals
• Minimize human exposure to Leptospira
• Safety monitoring of biological products that derive from susceptible animals

Specimen requirement: Urogenital swab.

For specimen types other than those listed here, please call 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