Molecular detection of Leptospira interrogans in human tissues and environmental samples in a lethal case of leptospirosis.
A forensic case of suspected Leptospirosis with fatal course was resolved by the molecular detection of Leptospira interrogans in postmortem human tissues and in environmental samples. Polymerase chain reaction analysis and DNA sequencing confirmed the clinical diagnosis of Weil syndrome, and the death was considered to be an occupational accident with all the legal implications.
Luchini
D
D
Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Siena, Policlinico Le Scotte, Viale Bracci, 53100 Siena, Italy. luchini2@unisi.it
Meacci
F
F
Oggioni
M R
MR
Morabito
G
G
D'Amato
V
V
Gabbrielli
M
M
Pozzi
G
G
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000382:microbiology; D007921:Leptospira interrogans / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008099:Liver / Q000382:microbiology; D008168:Lung / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D010179:Pancreas / Q000382:microbiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D051381:Rats; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012988:Soil Microbiology; D014038:Toilet Facilities; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000382:microbiology; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014895:Weil Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*
D004269:DNA, Bacterial