*All ESBL-producing isolates were considered resistant to penicillins, monobactam and oxyiminocephalosporins, according to CLSI guidelines.

Background: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. There is a paucity of available data about prevalence of this disease in Pondicherry. Our aim was to investigate the seropositivity rate of leptospirosis in suspected cases and also to identify the predominant serogroups present by performing Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). The other aim of this study was to compare the results of a commercially available IgM ELISA with that of MAT. Methodology: A total of 110 blood samples from patients suspected of leptospirosis were sent for diagnosis. These samples were subjected to IgM ELISA and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). MAT was done using a panel of 12 Leptospira serovars. Results: MAT analysis of the 110 samples showed 40 (36%) to be positive. Antibodies were predominantly seen against serogroup Leptospira Icterohemorrhagiae (27%), followed by Pomona (17%), and Pyrogenes (12%). IgM ELISA done on these samples showed a positivity of 37% compared to MAT. Conclusion: This study reveals that the MAT test can be standardized in a diagnostic laboratory and used in conjunction with an IgM ELISA.

The laboratory diagnosis of leptospirosis is fraught with several problems. Isolation of Leptospira by culture has a low sensitivity and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is time consuming To overcome these problems, a rapid latex agglutination test (LAT) has been standardized for the detection of antileptospiral antibodies in serum samples from suspected cases of leptospirosis. We compared the efficiency of the LAT to a commercially available IgM ELISA and MAT. A total of 150 serum samples were tested by LAT, IgM ELISA, and MAT. The positivity was 26.7%, 26% and 24% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of LAT as compared to MAT was 90.62 and 91.96% respectively. Even though LAT and ELISA showed similar results, its rapidity and simplicity made latex agglutination test more suitable as a rapid screening test.

Leptospiral meningitis, which is an important feature of anicteric leptospirosis, is generally underdiagnosed. Serological tests are not very useful in diagnosis of leptospiral meningitis. Early detection by molecular tests such as PCR and prompt institution of therapy would be lifesaving. 2010; 4(12):846-848. J Infect Dev Ctries