A simple and rapid molecular method for Leptospira species identification

Abstract

Serological and DNA-based classification systems only have little correlation. Currently serological and molecular methods for characterizing Leptospira are complex and costly restricting their world-wide distribution and use. Ligation mediated amplification combined with microarray analysis avoids many of these drawbacks. We demonstrated that this approach used in the Check-Points (CP) assay can successfully applied for the generic detection of Leptospira and can discriminate between saprophytic, intermediate and pathogenic species. In addition, the CP assay could unambiguously detect strains of seven pathogenic species and revealed discrepancies in previous speciation and culture collections. The method provides a valuable tool adding to the molecular study of leptospires and their local and global distribution.