test Details

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis (also known as Weil's syndrome) is one of the most widespread infections in the world. It is caused by infection with a spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira. It affects humans as well as a variety of animal hosts.

The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Test detects the antibodies that the body produces in response to Leptospirosis. It is a qualitative assay indicating whether or not the pathogen is present in the sample. It uses an incubation process to understand if the organism is grown or incubated in plates, giving positive or negative results. This is a three-step process.

‘Wells’ of the Leptospira antigen (an antigen is a foreign substance that induces an immune response in the body) are coated in the culture plates. Antibodies bind with the antigens in the wells. The wells are then washed and the test sample is removed.

An enzyme is added to the plates during the second step, which binds to the antibodies present. It is then rewashed.

In the third step, a colour-producing substance called chromogen is added. The colour changes, according to which the results of the test are interpreted.

Suspicion of multiple symptoms of Leptospirosis calls for this test. They include headache, high fever, redness of the eyes, muscle pain, chills, bleeding, joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, sore throat, etc.

Leptospirosis outbreaks have been increasing in the past three decades in India. It is a bacterial disease. The incidence rate for the disease is significant in the southern parts of India at 25.6%, followed by 8.3%, 3.5%, 3.1% and 3.3% in northern, western, eastern and central India, respectively.

Other Names of Leptospira Elisa IgG Test

• Lepto IgG antibody ELISA
• Lepto IGG EIA
• LEPTO IGG Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Leptospira Elisa IgG

What Does This Test Detect and Who Is Leptospira Elisa IgG Test Prescribed For?

The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Test detects the antibodies that the body produces in response to Leptospirosis. This test is used if the patient shows signs specific to the disease.

Leptospirosis is suspected only under the following conditions:

• High-grade fever
• Rashes on the skin
• Redness of the eyes
• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Aching of muscles
• Pain in the joints
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea

These are the acute phase symptoms of the disease.

More severe symptoms include:

• Liver failure
• Kidney failure
• Meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain)

Some infected people, however, do not show any symptoms at all.

For people with such complaints, amongst other tests, doctors may prescribe the Leptospira Elisa IgG test. The Leptospira Elisa IgG test is applicable for males, females, adults and children.

The results are shown against a white background. This test or assay is colourimetric, meaning that the test interpretations are made based on the change in the colour of the sample.

Interpretation of the results is based on levels of IgG Antibody as written above.

Serum or plasma is the sample type for this test. Serum and plasma are obtained by a process known as centrifugation. The serum is what remains after the clotting factors are separated from the blood.

The usual way to collect a blood sample is by drawing it from one of the veins. After collection of the blood, it is centrifuged to obtain plasma. About ten microlitres of samples are necessary for the test.

Test Preparation

The Leptospira Elisa IgG test is a blood test that does not require fasting or any specific preparation. The usual way to collect a blood sample is by drawing it from one of the veins. This vein is usually the most prominent one in the forearm of a person. This procedure lasts for 5 minutes. The blood drawn is centrifuged to obtain plasma or serum, which is then used for testing.

Leptospira ELISA IgG Test Inclusions: What are the Parameters Included?

The Leptospira Elisa IgG test measures the presence of IgG antibodies against the Leptospira antigen in the blood.

The test is known as a sandwich-type test because the test uses two antibodies. One of the antibodies is the ‘capture antibody’ and the other is the ‘detection antibody.’

The main objective of this test is to detect the presence of the Leptospirosis antigen in the sample.

The Leptospira Elisa IgG test uses the principle of colourimetry. That means that the test results are interpreted based on colour change. When the antigen reacts with the ‘control’ in the test, a colour change is seen. A ‘control’ is an element whose parameters remain unchanged or that are not affected by variables. This is how the presence of the antibodies is detected and the disease diagnosis is confirmed.

The total time required for this test is 20 minutes.

How Frequently Should You Take Leptospira Elisa IgG Test?

A test is not done unless the patient presents with specific or classic symptoms of Weil’s disease. These include fever, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), kidney failure and haemorrhage of the lungs.

A random Leptospira Elisa IgG test helps with the diagnosis of Leptospirosis. If the result of the test confirms a diagnosis, you should follow the treatment protocol.