In remote countries, leptospirosis confirmation is difficult because it requires the shipment of frozen samples to reference laboratories. The sensitivity of leptospirosis real-time PCR performed on filter paper-dried serum samples stored at ambient temperature was evaluated at 2 × 10(2) equivalent leptospires/ml (eqLeptospires/ml). This easy alternative procedure can be used to enhance the surveillance of leptospirosis.
Copyright © 2014, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.