[The use of direct immunoenzyme analysis with genus-specific peroxidase conjugate in leptospirosis]

For the first time anti-Patoc I peroxidase conjugate was obtained from the serum of a hyperimmunized guinea pig by the method of Nakane and Kawaoi (1974) in the modification of Mathiesen et al. (1978). In the experimental study of 37 Leptospira strains belonging to 19 serological groups, carried out with the use of direct EIA techniques, anti-Patoc I peroxidase conjugate was found to be genus-specific and highly active. The possibility of detecting Leptospira antigens of 7 serological groups in the blood and in suspensions of the liver and kidneys of golden hamsters by direct EIA with the use of the above-mentioned conjugate was established. The use of direct EIA with anti-Patoc I peroxidase conjugate for the diagnosis of leptospirosis is recommended.