Leptospira sp antibodies - serum
Last updated: Wednesday, 24, March, 2004
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| Item | Process |
|---|---|
| Specimen | 5-10 mL blood in plain tube, acute and convalescent specimens required. |
| Method | Microagglutination, EIA. |
| Application | Investigation of suspected leptospirosis (eg, fever, hepatitis, renal failure). |
| Interpretation | IgM is detectable by EIA within the first week of the disease. Since it may persist for many months IgG seroconversion is required to confirm a diagnosis of recent infection. A four-fold rise in microagglutination titre, or a titre of ≥800, in a suggestive clinical setting is strong evidence of infection. Microagglutination serology can be used to identify the serovar likely to be causing infection. |
| Reference | Winslow WE et al. J Clin Microbiol 1997; 35: 1938-1942. |