Comparison of Leptospiral Serovars Identification by Serology and Cultivation in Northeastern Region, Thailand
Mayura Kusum, MD*, Naphatsawan Boonsarthorn, MSc**, Mayurachat Biaklang, BSc**, Umaporn Sina, BSc**, Pathom Sawanpanyalert, MD, PhD***, Pimjai Naigowit, BSc, MT (ASCP)*
Affiliation : * Technical Office, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi ** Medical Biotechnology Center, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi *** National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Nonthaburi
Blood from patients suspected of leptospirosis 148 specimens were cultured for leptospira. Twenty
two specimens were positive (15%). The isolated leptospira were tested against the 24 serovars of standard
antisera by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). It was found that all 22 leptospira isolates reacted
strongly against L. autumnalis, except 1 isolate that also reacted againts serovar djasiman. The patient’s
sera were collected from only 14 cases. When the sera of the 14 patients were tested with the 24 reference
serovars by MAT, it was found that sera reacted the most against L. australis and in decreasing order against
L. bratislava, L. autumnalis, L. rachmati, L. copenhageni, L. javanica. There had some cross reactions
against several serovars in a single patient.
The present study showed inconsistency between culture results and serum assays. Since sera showed
cross reactivities against several serovars, it was not possible to determine which serovar was etiologic.
Therefore, the isolation of leptospira though time consuming is specific in the identification of the serovar.
Keywords : Leptospirosis, Leptospire, Cultivation, Microscopic Agglutination Test
