Our experience using real-time PCR for the detection of the gene that encodes the superficial lipoprotein LipL32 of the pathogenic leptospires to confirm the acute form of human leptospirosis

Abstract

Aims. To examine biological materials (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid) of patients with suspected leptospirosis using real-time PCR for detecting the gene that codes the superficial LipL32 lipoprotein, and to evaluate the contribution of the real-time PCR method for the laboratory diagnosis of the acute form of leptospirosis. Material and Methods. During the monitored period of April 2010 -December 2011, a total of 340 biological materials samples were examined (177x blood plasma, 88x urine, 68x, cerebrospinal fluid, 6x bronchoalveolar lavage and 1x sputum) from 216 patients with suspected leptospirosis using real-time PCR LipL32 gene detection. Results. From the mentioned 216 patients suspected of leptospirosis, 8 patients were evaluated as being PCR LipL32 positive, from which 14 positive biological materials originated (9 x urine, 4x blood and 1x liquor). Conclusion. As demonstrated in the study, the real-time PCR method for detecting the gene for the superficial lipoprotein LipL32 is an appropriate, quick and reliable method for the diagnosis of the acute form of leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis: a diagnostic conundrum

“…17 We preferred LipL32 real-time PCR as it can be performed quickly (3 h) compared to the conventional PCR method. 18 Compared to our study, where LipL32 real-time PCR was found to be positive in 9/21, a Uruguayan study 19 showed the diagnostic sensitivity of PCR in comparison with MAT to be only 30%. Many other investigators have reported values close to 50%.…”

“…17 We preferred LipL32 real-time PCR as it can be performed quickly (3 h) compared to the conventional PCR method. 18…”

Leptospira interrogans Sensu Lato in Wild Small Mammals in Three Moravian Localities of the Czech Republic

“…In our study, antibodies to two serovars of L. interrogans (Pomona and Grippotyphosa) were the only ones observed in a six-year study, with the range of 800-3200 and 200-3200 titres, respectively, indicating the gradual development of infection in the host organism. Serovar Grippotyphosa was also the most prevalent serovar in horses [40] and humans [41] in the Czech Republic. In contrast, serovars Copenhageni and Icterohaemorrhagiae, transmitted by rats, are usually responsible for infections in Europe [42].…”

Leptospirosis; Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention: A Review

“…However, it is not used to predict the leptospira serotype in the sample [14]. Kucerova et al investigated 216 leptospirosis suspect patient during 2010 -2011 using real time PCT to determine the gene coding leptospira surface lipoprotein LipP32 to confirm acute form of leptospirosis and achieved positive results in total 14 biological material (9 urine, 4 blood, 1 bronchoalveolar) obtained from 8 (3.70%) patients [15].…”