Leptospirosis in Central America: Techniques for Diagnosis and Molecular Characterization

• Published in: Current tropical medicine reports 2017-06, Vol.4 (2), p.70-76
• Main Authors: Flores Somarriba, Byron, Sheleby-Elías, Jessica, Fischer, Rebecca S. B., Jirón, William, Duttmann, Christiane
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavioral Sciences; Infectious Diseases; Leptospirosis in Mesoamerica (M Garcia; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Parasitology; Section Editor; Topical Collection on Leptospirosis in Mesoamerica; Tropical Medicine
• ISSN: 2196-3045; 2196-3045
• DOI: 10.1007/s40475-017-0106-6

Purpose of Review Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira . In Central America, Leptospira is endemic, and almost all countries experience frequent outbreaks. Diagnosis of leptospirosis is primarily based on serology. More technologically advanced methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), are used in only a few laboratories, although it can identify genes specific to pathogenic species. New techniques, such as isothermal reactions and molecular typing could also contribute to disease surveillance in humans, animals, and the environment. Recent Findings Advanced techniques, including molecular characterization methods, have been used only rarely up until now. In Nicaragua, we have used phenotypic analysis to characterize pathogenic Leptospira species and multiple locus sequence typing (MLST) to facilitate the identification of a completely new serovar in Costa Rica. Summary Improved technology and expertise for molecular typing of Leptospira are needed in order to improve surveillance and provide the basis for epidemiologic studies. Current MLST characterization schemes include representative strains known to be circulating in Central America, and a more widespread implementation of this technique could enrich information about the epidemiology of Leptospira and enable identification of novel strains emerging in the region.