Showing 4 results for Leptospirosis
Roohi, Z, Moradi Bidhendi, S, Khaki, P,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2015)
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Objective: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis infectious disease that is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions and is caused by the pathogenic serovars of leptospires. Hence, we aimed at investigating the prevalence of antibodies against these bacteria in the blood samples of suspected leptospirosis.
Material and Methods: the human serum samples (N = 130) were obtained from patients clinically suspected leptospirosis. The Serum level of IgM antibodies were studied by ELISA kit (PrioCHECK) in Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (Karaj), 2011-2012.
Results: Anti-leptospira IgM class was observed in 21(16%) samples. The relative distribution of the disease was reported in men (80.95%), women (19.04%), and farmers (30.95%) and in 20-40-year group (57.14%). Contact with contaminated water was the most common cause of infection (52.38%) and fever was the most common sign of Leptospirosis (72.2%).
Conclusion: Due to the occurrence of anti-leptospira antibodies in 16% of suspected cases, it is recommended that routine ELISA be done at least in major diagnostic centers.
Keywords: Leptospira, Leptospirosis, Human, ELISA
Elaheh Rezaei , Pejvak Khaki , Soheila Moradi Bidhendi , Mojtaba Noofeli ,
Volume 13, Issue 1 (1-2019)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Objectives: Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease that is transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. Humans mainly acquire pathogenic leptospires through mucosal or percutaneous exposure to environment contaminated with urine from an infected animal. We aimed to identify pathogenic leptospiral serovars by detection of the ompL37 gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Methods: Sixteen pathogenic leptospiral serovars and a saprophytic serovar, L. biflexa were cultured in modified semisolid Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris medium containing 5% rabbit serum. Genomic DNA extraction was done using the phenol-chlorophorm method. The ompL37 gene was amplified using specific primers. PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis.
Results: The ompL37 gene was amplified only in the pathogenic leptospiral serovars. We detected no amplified fragment for the saprophytic serovar.
Conclusion: Leptospirosis may be confused with other infectious diseases, and therefore, its early and accurate diagnosis is crucial. We showed that molecular detection of pathogenic leptospires based on the ompL37 gene could be used for laboratory diagnosis of leptospirosis.
Keywords: Leptospirosis, PCR, ompl37 Gene, Pathogenic Leptospires.
Sona Rostampour Yasouri, Masoud Ghane, Monir Doudi, Abolhasan Rezaee, Nafiseh Sadat Naghavi,
Volume 14, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a high incidence rate in many parts of the world due to the presence of various hosts for the pathogenic Leptospira. Tropical, subtropical and humid regions are suitable for long-term survival of the bacterium. Because of the temperate and humid climate, northern areas of Iran are suitable for pathogenic Leptospira and outbreak of the disease. Therefore, identification of infected areas is important from a public health and economic point of view. Previous studies show that the incidence rate of leptospirosis is increasing every year. Therefore, accurate diagnosis, control and prevention of this disease seem necessary through vaccination and raising public awareness, especially among high-risk groups. Today, diagnostic methods including immunofluorescence assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are used to diagnose the leptospirosis. MAT is the gold standard test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis with extensive applications in Iran. Due to the importance of this disease and its high prevalence in recent years, the present study aimed to investigate the epidemiology and diagnosis of leptospirosis in Iran.
Yogita Mistry, Tanvi Panwala, Summaiya Mullan,
Volume 15, Issue 6 (11-2021)
Abstract
Background and objectives: Microscopic agglutination test is the gold standard sero-diagnostic method for detection of leptospirosis. Moreover, it helps identify serovars and their titers in serum samples. For obtaining accurate titer results, proper sampling, collection, storage, and transportation of samples are crucial while maintaining the cold chain. Since storage for long periods and the subsequent deterioration of samples may affect the final titers, we proposed an alternative method of MAT testing using filter paper-dried serum samples. We also evaluated sensitivity and specificity of the MAT test by using filtered-dried serum samples compared with the conventional MAT test.
Methods: This experimental study was performed on human and animal serum samples that were sent to a reference leprospirosis laboratory in 2020. Overall, 142 positive samples (with 289 titers for different strains) and 15 negative samples were used for MAT test using filtered-dried serum. For this purpose, each sample was dried on a filter paper (Whatman 903, GE Healthcare) at room temperature (20-30 °C) and kept for four days. On the fifth day, the filter papers were cut into small pieces, soaked in phosphate buffer saline, vortexed, and slowly mixed on shaker for two hours to elute antibodies. The MAT tests were performed simultaneously and under the same environmental conditions.
Results: The new MAT test using dried serum samples showed 79% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The test also had positive predictive value of 92% and negative predictive value of 24% when compared with the gold standard MAT test.
Conclusion: Filter-dried serum can be used for MAT test to overcome serum storage and transportation problems.
