What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to assess the seroprevalence of leptospirosis and evaluate PCR test results in suspected cases.

February 12, 2026Tropical Medicine & International Health0 citations

Leptospirosis: Unveiling the Hidden Threat in a Non‐Endemic Region of India

TSTanu Sagar VPVrushali Patwardhan ARAnusha Rathi

Key Points

The study aims to assess the seroprevalence of leptospirosis and evaluate PCR test results in suspected cases.
Retrospective observational study in a tertiary care hospital
Included 2181 patients clinically suspected of leptospirosis
Serological testing using anti-Leptospira IgM ELISA
PCR assay performed on urine and blood samples from sero-positive patients
20.6% of patients tested positive for anti-Leptospira IgM by ELISA
28% of PCR tests were positive from urine, blood, or both
31.3% of seropositive cases were categorized as possible leptospirosis
54.7% were classified as presumptive leptospirosis based on modified Faine's criteria

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Leptospirosis is a globally significant yet often overlooked zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira bacteria. The disease manifests with a wide range of non‐specific symptoms, making clinical diagnosis challenging. It remains underreported especially in non‐endemic settings possibly due to lack of awareness, clinical features overlapping with other common diseases and non‐availability of suitable microbiological diagnostics. This study assessed the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in clinically suspected cases in a tertiary care hospital of New Delhi and it also evaluated the PCR test results obtained from urine and plasma specimens in anti‐ Leptospira IgM positive patients. Methods A retrospective observational single centre study was conducted between January 2023 and December 2024. A total of 2181 patients, clinically suspected of leptospirosis, were serologically tested using anti‐ Leptospira IgM ELISA kit (Panbio, Australia). Urine and whole blood specimens from sero‐positive patients were further analysed using an in‐house standardised PCR assay. Results Among the 2181, 448 (20.6%) tested positive for anti‐ Leptospira IgM by ELISA. PCR testing was performed in a total of 350 out of 448 ELISA‐positive patients, of which 98 (28%) patients were found to be positive either from urine/whole blood or both the specimens. A total of 140/448 (31.3%) of the seropositive cases were categorised as possible leptospirosis, while 245/448 (54.7%) were classified as presumptive leptospirosis based on modified Faine's criteria. Conclusion This study highlights a significant seropositivity rate of leptospirosis among clinically suspected cases in a tertiary care setting in New Delhi, underscoring its clinical relevance even in non‐endemic regions. The combined use of serological testing and targeted PCR analysis provided complementary diagnostic value, aiding in more accurate case classification. These findings emphasise the need for heightened clinical awareness, improved diagnostic access and early detection strategies to better manage and control leptospirosis in urban healthcare settings.

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