Detection of leptospires in tissue using an immunoperoxidase staining procedure

An immunoperoxidase technique for the localisation of leptospires in sections of formalin fixed paraffin embedded kidney tissue is described. The procedure utilises a two-layered antibody sandwich with rabbit anti-leptospiral immunoglobin. Using antiserum to specific leptospiral serovars the presence and distribution of specific serovar in the tissue could be determined. The technique was also used to detect leptospires of given serovars in smears made from infected tissues and fluids. There was good correlation between culture results and results of the immunoperoxidase staining method on kidneys infected with leptospires. The diagnostic possibilities of the technique on formalin fixed tissue specimens are discussed.