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Leptospira interrogans, qPCR

Name: Leptospira interrogans, qPCR
Brand: Equigerminal
Price: 55.35 EUR

Test that looks for Leptospira, a germ that can make horses ill and harm their eyes and kidneys, in your...

€55.35 Incl. VAT

About

The PCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Leptospira interrogans, the bacterium responsible for Leptospirosis.

PCR is a highly sensitive molecular method that detects the presence of bacterial DNA during active infection.

Why test?

This PCR test is recommended for:

Detection of active Leptospira interrogans infection.
Horses showing clinical signs compatible with leptospirosis.
Investigation of abortion, uveitis or kidney disease associated with leptospiral infection.
Early diagnosis before antibody production.

Clinical signs

Some horses with leptospirosis appear completely normal. Others might show generalised flulike signs.

More serious cases present as mid- to late-term abortions, chronic uveitis (an eye disease that’s the leading cause of blindness in horses), or renal (kidney) disease.

Foals from infected dams born alive might suffer from malnutrition, jaundice, pulmonary haemorrhage, or severe respiratory distress—all of which can be fatal. If you can start treatment immediately—before the infection damages eyes or organs—horses with leptospirosis generally have good prognoses. And, you can protect the rest of your herd (and yourself and other animals) by isolating infected horses, treating your other horses with preventive antibiotics or, depending on the species involved, vaccinating.

Transmission

Leptospirosis is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called spirochetes, specifically leptospires, that enter an animal’s body through mucous membranes in areas such as the nostrils, lips, eyes, trachea, stomach, genitals, or anus, or through broken skin. In addition to mammals (horses, humans, squirrels, voles, and scores more), amphibians (such as frogs) and reptiles (including snakes) can become infected with and pass on the disease-causing bacteria. In horses, foals can become infected in utero.
Leptospires most commonly live and multiply in the renal tubules (where urine collects in the kidneys) of reservoir or carrier hosts such as rodents, wildlife, and domestic animals. In addition to spreading in urine, leptospires can be transmitted via infected blood or tissues or by infected urine splashing into eyes or the mouth.
When an infected reservoir host urinates, the leptospires pass out of its body in the urine and contaminate the surrounding ground and/or water. In fact, exposure to standing water, such as ponds or floodwaters, is the biggest risk factor for leptospirosis infection. Occasionally, says Carter, animals (horses, livestock, etc.) inhale leptospires, ingest them with feed, or transmit them via wounds or bites.

Prevention

Humans who work with animals or have frequent exposure to them are at a higher risk of contracting leptospirosis.
The leptospirosis is now classified as a re-emerging disease. Worldwide, the incidence is increasing, which may be due to increased episodes of flooding. According to the CDC, most human leptospirosis symptoms are flulike and include: high fever; headache; chills; muscle aches; vomiting; jaundice (yellow skin and eyes); red eyes; and abdominal pain.
Treatment is fairly straightforward. The emphasis now is on rapid diagnostics so the disease can be diagnosed quickly and treatment started.
Prevention is characterised differently for different risk groups. For occupational exposure (for example, veterinarians and animal caretakers that might be exposed to the disease), appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment, including protective gloves and glasses) is important. For recreational exposure, preventing contact of mucous membranes and broken skin with contaminated water is advised.

Results

The PCR test detects the genome (DNA) of Leptospira interrogans.

Results are reported as:

Positive – DNA of Leptospira interrogans detected, indicating active infection.

Negative – No Leptospira interrogans DNA detected in the submitted sample.

Sample

5 mL - blood - K3 EDTA tube

Send your sample by regular mail to:

Equigerminal Lab HIESE
Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro Nº25
3230-343 Penela, Portugal

Turnaround

2 to 5 working days

How it works

🛒 Purchase the test: select and buy the test online.

📧 Receive instructions: after payment confirmation you receive sample collection instructions by e-mail.

🩺 Your veterinarian collects the sample: this test must be collected by a veterinarian, who collects the samples described above under Sample.

📄 Complete the form: print and complete the submission form with the animal identification.

📮 Send it to the laboratory: Equigerminal, S.A., HIESE, Rua da Quinta do Sobreiro, 25, Quinta Vale do Espinhal, 3230-343 Penela, PORTUGAL.

📄 Receive your report: your certified report is issued as soon as the analysis is validated.

FAQs

What does the PCR test detect?

The PCR test detects the DNA of Leptospira interrogans, allowing diagnosis of active infection.

Which sample is required?

The test requires 5 mL of blood collected in a K3 EDTA tube.

Can leptospirosis infect humans?

Yes. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that can affect humans, horses, pets and livestock.

When is PCR recommended?

PCR is most useful during active infection and before antibodies have developed, making it ideal for early diagnosis.

How long does it take to receive the results?

Results are available within 2 to 5 working days after sample arrival at the laboratory.

More

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease, meaning it can infect both animals and humans.

In horses, the disease is most commonly associated with abortion, recurrent uveitis and kidney disease.

Rapid molecular diagnosis allows early treatment before permanent damage develops, particularly in the eyes and kidneys.