[Development of PCR test system based on colA gene for detection of leptospirae in clinical material]

Development of primers for the detection of leptospirae in clinical material including urine.

Study of specificity and sensitivity of primers complementary to colA gene in standard PCR by using DNA preparation of cultures of pathogenic and saprophytic leptospirae, biological materials from healthy humans and dogs, including contaminated with pathogenic leptospirae culture.

Specific interaction of these primers with DNA of pathogenic leptospirae of 14 serogroups was established. Sensitivity of the technique was 50 cells in 1 ml of sample.

The primers described fulfill the requirements for the sensitivity and specificity and can be recommended for the detection of leptospirae in both serum and urine.