Serodiagnosis of Human Leptospirosis by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Waleed Al-orry, Moustapha Arahou, Rachida Hassikou, Réda Charof, Aicha Qasmaoui, Chahrazad Ouanaim, Hafida Oukoochood, Zakaria Mennane
Abstract
Background
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. The disease occurs by contact direct or indirect with the urine of infected animal and common among agriculture workers, garbage collectors, sewage works, forestry and animal slaughtering. The disease also spreads in tropical regions where the conditions are favourable for leptospires.
Aims
The purpose of this study is to determine human leptospirosis among suspected cases by ELISA IgM (a retrospective study on 50 cases from 2004 to 2010).
Methods
Sera from patients had fever and jaundice suspected clinically from leptospirosis, were referred to the National Institute of Hygiene in Rabat, Morocco. ELISA IgM and SAT were used for the diagnosis.
Results
While 33 serums were positive by Slide Agglutination Test (SAT), thirty one serums were positive by ELISA IgM. The sensitivity was 62 per cent and 66 per cent in ELISA and SAT respectively.
Conclusion
ELISA IgM and SAT seem to be useful for human leptospirosis; they can detect the disease from the 5th day of the illness. They are easy, inexpensive and useful for developing countries and less equipped laboratories. However, if the first sera was negative, the second sera should obtained in the second week, or PCR used in combination with serological tests if it is available.
Full Text:
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. The disease occurs by contact direct or indirect with the urine of infected animal and common among agriculture workers, garbage collectors, sewage works, forestry and animal slaughtering. The disease also spreads in tropical regions where the conditions are favourable for leptospires.
Aims
The purpose of this study is to determine human leptospirosis among suspected cases by ELISA IgM (a retrospective study on 50 cases from 2004 to 2010).
Methods
Sera from patients had fever and jaundice suspected clinically from leptospirosis, were referred to the National Institute of Hygiene in Rabat, Morocco. ELISA IgM and SAT were used for the diagnosis.
Results
While 33 serums were positive by Slide Agglutination Test (SAT), thirty one serums were positive by ELISA IgM. The sensitivity was 62 per cent and 66 per cent in ELISA and SAT respectively.
Conclusion
ELISA IgM and SAT seem to be useful for human leptospirosis; they can detect the disease from the 5th day of the illness. They are easy, inexpensive and useful for developing countries and less equipped laboratories. However, if the first sera was negative, the second sera should obtained in the second week, or PCR used in combination with serological tests if it is available.
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