The search for improved methods for diagnosing leptospirosis: the approach of a laboratory in Brescia, Italy

Rev Sci Tech. 1993 Jun;12(2):647-63. doi: 10.20506/rst.12.2.711.

Abstract

The authors describe work in progress at the laboratory in Brescia, Italy, on the application of molecular methods to the diagnosis of leptospirosis. This work includes the following: a) Development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays capable of amplifying specific deoxyribonucleic acid fragments from most Leptospira interrogans strains. b) Development of a microtitre-based assay for rapid detection of PCR-positive samples. c) Characterisation of Leptospira strains through restriction endonuclease analysis of PCR products and amplified fragment length polymorphism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic*
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Antigens, Bacterial / analysis
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Italy
  • Leptospira interrogans / classification
  • Leptospira interrogans / genetics*
  • Leptospira interrogans / immunology
  • Leptospira interrogans / isolation & purification
  • Leptospirosis / diagnosis
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary*
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
  • Restriction Mapping

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • DNA, Bacterial