Detection of Leptospira interrogans

Abstract

Leptospirosis, which is caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira, is an important zooanthroponosis, both from a clinical and economic standpoint. The wide variety of potential disease reservoirs, coupled with the ability of Leptospira to survive for long periods in soils and surface water combine to make leptospirosis the most common zoonosis in the world (1). Most leptospiral infections are either subclinical or self-limiting and are characterized by flu-like symptoms. If left untreated, though, more serious forms of the illness can result in spontaneous abortion, uveitis, jaundice, damage and failure of the heart, liver, and kidneys, and even a severe hemorrhagic condition resembling viral hemorrhagic fevers (1).