Microagglutination test (MAT)

Detection of agglutinating antibodies to Leptospira spp. by MAT.

Fresh human serum. Minimum volume of serum required - 0.5 mL. Hyperlipaemic, haemolysed or contaminated sera may yield erroneous results.

Collect blood aseptically in a sterile serum separator tube or sterile tube without preservatives.

Transfer an aliquot of serum to a 1.5 mL screw-top vial with O-ring (Sarstedt vial). Store specimen refrigerated up to five days or store frozen until shipped for testing. Ship frozen on dry ice or wet ice.

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.

The MAT is intended only for human sera which score reactive or equivocal on the Leptospira IgM ELISA.

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. 

In-house MAT (nine serogroups). Samples, which are reactive or equivocal by ELISA (IgM), are subject to confirmation by the MAT. Initial screening titre is 1:100 and if necessary, endpoint titres will be determined.

Supportive criteria for a probable case include a single MAT titre of = 1:200, accompanied by a clinically compatible illness.

Criteria required for a confirmed diagnosis include a MAT titre of = 1:800 in one or more serum specimens or a fourfold or greater increase in a MAT titre between acute and convalescent serum specimens.

Up to 45 calendar days, including 21 calendar days for ELISA result.

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