Multiplex PCR-based detection of Leptospira in environmental water samples obtained from a slum settlement.
The aim of this study was to apply a molecular protocol to detect leptospiral DNA in environmental water samples. The study was carried out in a peri-urban settlement in Petrópolis, state of Rio de Janeiro. A multiplex PCR method employing the primers LipL32 and 16SrRNA was used. Three out of 100 analysed samples were positive in the multiplex PCR, two were considered to have saprophytic leptospires and one had pathogenic leptospires. The results obtained supported the idea that multiplex PCR can be used to detect Leptospira spp in water samples. This method was also able to differentiate between saprophytic and pathogenic leptospires and was able to do so much more easily than conventional methodologies.
Instituto Oswaldo Cruz-Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. jumvb@ioc.fiocruz.br
Juliana Magalhães
JM
Vital-Brazil
Ilana Teruszkin
IT
Balassiano
Fabiano Sutter de
FS
Oliveira
Alberto Dias de Souza
AD
Costa
Leandro
L
Hillen
Martha Maria
MM
Pereira
D001938:Brazil; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D007919:Leptospira / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011204:Poverty Areas; D014871:Water Microbiology
D004269:DNA, Bacterial