Leptospirosis is an environmental and zoonotic disease. It is maintained by an animal cycle where rats play a major role in its perpetuation in nature. Its prognosis is sometimes severe and the associated mortality may be high. A frequently worsening factor is the excessive delay in giving appropriate treatment. Its symptoms are variable, ranging from a classical flu syndrome to Weil’s disease, which typically associates major hepatic and renal failures, often leading to death.

Clinical as well as laboratory diagnosis of leptospirosis is difficult. Specific laboratory tests, including bacteria isolation, DNA testing and serology using the microagglutination test (MAT), still remain limited to highly specialized laboratories. However, recently released rapid serological tests now help in first-line screening for leptospirosis. This must still be followed by confirmation using a reference technique.

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27 October 2009
Global experts to help the Philippines fight disease outbreak
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