Uncovering latent infections in kidneys: A novel molecular approach for differential Leptospira detection.

ABSTRACT: Leptospirosis, a re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira spp., poses significant global health and veterinary challenges. Long-term colonization of renal tubules by Leptospira in asymptomatic hosts highlights the need for sensitive detection methods. This study evaluates the chronic or latent Leptospira infections in kidneys using a novel molecular approach to examine individual immune responses differences. Digital PCR strategies employing newly developed primer-probe sets targeting the flagellar fliG gene were used to assess the presence of trace Leptospira in infected murine kidneys and urine samples from laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis patients. RNA-based digital PCR detected leptospires in 58 % (targeting lipl32) and 83 % (targeti

SUBMITTER: Chou LF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11650133 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature