Comparison of a slide agglutination test, LeptoTek Dri-Dot, and IgM-ELISA with microscopic agglutination test for Leptospira antibody detection.

A slide agglutination test (SAT), LeptoTek Dri-Dot and IgM-ELISA were compared with a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the detection of Leptospira antibodies. Paired sera from 10 patients whose leptospirosis was clinically suspected and diagnosed by MAT, were evaluated in this study. Our data, especially from acute samples, demonstrate the SAT and Dri-Dot were more sensitive as initial screening tests than MAT. IgM-ELISA has an advantage over MAT, SAT, and Dri-Dot since the results can be interpreted from a single serum testing if the results of the test are positive. Eight of the ten cases could be diagnosed by IgM-ELISA. Our data suggest that IgM-ELISA may be used for the diagnosis of leptospirosis. However, the agglutination test is useful for screening and for secondary infection cases for which IgM antibodies may be undetectable. MAT can be performed as a reference test and when information regarding the causative serovar is required.