Leptospira

Test codes:
B0051 - Ultrasensitive qualitative detection of Leptospira bacteria by real time polymerase chain reaction
P0024 - Equine breeding panel (includes Leptospira and other pathogens)

Leptospirosis is a disease of worldwide significance that infects many domestic and wildlife animal 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 in mares.

There is currently no approved equine vaccine for leptospirosis. 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:

• Confirm the disease causing agent
• Shorten the time required to confirm a clinical diagnosis of Leptospira infection.
• Ensure that horse populations 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 horses

Specimen requirements: Urogenital swab, cervical swab or 1 ml semen, shipped overnight at room temperature.

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