The Rapid Diagnosis of Leptospirosis: A Prospective Comparison of the Dot Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and the Genus-Specific Microscopic Agglutination Test at Different Stages of Illness

Abstract

The microscopic agglutination (MA) test is considered the serodiagnostic test of choice for leptospirosis, but its complexity limits its use to reference laboratories. Simpler techniques have been described, but information is lacking on their relative merits and adaptability to endemic areas where sophisticated laboratories may be absent. The IgM-specific dot ELlSA was recently shown to be comparable to the classic MA test in its ability to detect recent exposure to leptospires; it is also rapid and simpler to use. The genus-specific MA test uses a single broadly reactive, nonpathogenic antigen - Leptospira biflexa serovar Patoc 1- to replace a battery of antigens. We prospectively compared the sensitivity and specificity of these two test in patients with proven leptospirosis that was usually severe and often late in its course. Keywords: Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, Reprints.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA201890

Entities

People

  • George Watt
  • Larry W. Laughlin
  • Laurena Padre
  • Lily M. Alquiza
  • Marie L. Tuazon

Organizations

  • Naval Medical Research Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agglutination
  • Antibodies
  • Classification
  • Dilution
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Electrical Equipment
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections
  • Health Services
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Leptospirosis
  • Public Health
  • Research Facilities
  • Rural Areas
  • Security
  • Sensitivity
  • Test Methods

Readers

  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology
  • Theoretical Analysis.
  • Virology (or Medical Virology).