Leptospira (Pathogenic) Bacterial Load Test
Short Name: Leptospira Bacterial Load
Also known as: Leptospira PCR, Leptospira DNA Quantification, Pathogenic Leptospira Detection
Leptospira (Pathogenic) Bacterial Load Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹7,650. Uses Real-Time PCR on Serum, plasma, whole blood, urine samples. Results in Reports are typically available within 3 working days after sample collection. You will receive an email and can access results via our online portal.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of this test is to detect and quantify pathogenic Leptospira DNA in clinical samples. It is used for early diagnosis of leptospirosis, especially in patients presenting with fever of unknown origin, exposure to contaminated environments, or symptoms suggestive of the disease. Quantification helps in assessing the severity of infection and monitoring treatment efficacy.
- Test Code
- 6174
- CPT Code
- 87798
- ICD Code
- A27.9
- Price
- ₹7,650
- Sample Type
- Serum, plasma, whole blood, urine
- Result Time
- Reports are typically available within 3 working days after sample collection. You will receive an email and can access results via our online portal.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real-Time PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation required. Inform your doctor about any antibiotics taken recently. Sign the consent document and provide relevant clinical history.
Method: Venipuncture or clean-catch midstream urine
Laboratory Analysis
Blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. For urine sample, you will be instructed to collect midstream urine in a sterile container.
Report Delivery
No specific precautions. You can resume normal activities immediately after sample collection.
Timeline: Reports are typically available within 3 working days after sample collection. You will receive an email and can access results via our online portal.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to detect and quantify pathogenic Leptospira DNA in clinical samples. It is used for early diagnosis of leptospirosis, especially in patients presenting with fever of unknown origin, exposure to contaminated environments, or symptoms suggestive of the disease. Quantification helps in assessing the severity of infection and monitoring treatment efficacy.
How to Prepare
- For blood: Use EDTA tube, mix gently by inverting 8-10 times
- For urine: Collect midstream urine in sterile container, avoid first morning urine
- Label the sample with patient name, date, and time of collection
- Transport sample to laboratory at 2-8°C if delay is expected
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Early detection of leptospirosis is critical to prevent severe complications. This PCR-based test offers high sensitivity and specificity, enabling timely intervention."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Improperly labeled sample
- Hemolyzed or clotted blood sample
- Urine sample in non-sterile container
- Sample received after prolonged delay without proper storage
Understanding Your Results
No pathogenic Leptospira DNA detected. Leptospirosis is unlikely, but if clinical suspicion remains high, consider repeat testing or serological tests.
Indicates active infection. Low load may be seen in early or mild cases. Clinical correlation required.
Suggests significant bacterial burden, possibly associated with severe disease. Close monitoring and prompt treatment are essential.
Consult a doctor immediately if you experience fever, headache, muscle pain, or any symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis, especially after exposure to potentially contaminated water or animals. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent serious complications.
Limitations
- ⚠A negative result does not completely rule out leptospirosis, especially if sample is collected after antibiotic initiation or during late stages
- ⚠Test detects pathogenic Leptospira but does not differentiate between species
- ⚠Quantification may not correlate directly with disease severity in all patients
- ⚠Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and serological tests
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of bruising or bleeding at the needle site
- ●Rare possibility of infection at the puncture site
- ●No significant risks associated with urine collection
Interfering Factors
- ●Antibiotic therapy prior to sample collection may reduce bacterial load and cause false negatives
- ●Contamination of sample with non-pathogenic Leptospira or other bacteria
- ●Improper sample storage or delayed processing
- ●Hemolyzed or lipemic blood samples may affect PCR efficiency
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Leptospira (Pathogenic) Bacterial Load Test | Leptospira IgM ELISA | Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) | Dark-field Microscopy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Leptospira (Pathogenic) Bacterial Load Test | Serological test detecting antibodies. Positive only after 5-7 days of infection. PCR can detect earlier. | Gold standard serological test but requires paired samples and specialized labs. PCR is faster and more sensitive in early phase. | Direct visualization of Leptospira in blood/urine. Low sensitivity and requires expertise. PCR is more reliable. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the principle of this test?
Can this test detect leptospirosis in the early stage?
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