Detection of Leptospira species by PCR

Detection of Leptospira spp. by PCR.

Whole Blood/EDTA – minimum volume: 2-5 mL; Urine (as fresh as possible to prevent degradation of Leptospira organism) – minimum volume: 5-10 mL; CSF – minimum volume: 400 uL.

Collect aseptically into appropriate sterile container.

Refrigerate (2-8C) - do not allow blood, urine or CSF to freeze. Ship on wet ice (cold packs) in leak proof containers. Overnight shipping is recommended.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Symptoms of Leptospira spp. infection may include fever, headache, chills, severe malaise, skin rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, myalgia, conjunctival suffusion, jaundice, kidney and/or liver failure, meningitis and chest pains. Contact with an infected animal (dogs, cattle, raccoons, rodents, etc.) or recent travel to locations known to be endemic for Leptospira spp.

Completed ‘Requisition for Leptospira spp.Testing’

Specimens may be subject to rejection if they are not the appropriate sample type, have insufficient volume or are not accompanied by relevant patient information or clinical history.

Initiation of antibiotic treatment prior to testing may result in decreased antibody production which will affect the outcome of serological testing.

As with any laboratory test, results of the test should be interpreted with consideration of all available laboratory and clinical findings.

FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.

DNA from all tissues is initially extracted using a commercially-available kit. Conventional PCR assay is used for molecular detection of Leptospira spp. rrs gene (16S rRNA).

21 calendar days.

1. Levett, P.N. Leptospirosis (2001) Clin. Micro. Rev. (14): 296-326.