Diagnosis of Leptospirosis

History and clinical signs may indicate leptospirosis, diagnosis however needs to be confirmed by laboratory tests.

1. Serology - Serological tests are useful for screening herds with a history of abortions or reproductive problems.

2. Bacterial isolation

   1. Isolation of Leptospires from blood, cerebrospinal fluid and milk can be attempted in acute cases.
   2. Cultures from urine samples can also be made from clinically infected or suspected carrier animals.
   3. Leptospires can also be isolated at necropsy from organs of animals that died during the acute phase of disease. Samples must be chilled and reach the laboratory within 3 hours.
3. Other laboratory methods such as fluorescent antibody tests and dark field examination of blood and urine samples to detect live bacteria may also be useful for a definitive disease diagnosis.