Detection of seven species of pathogenic leptospires by PCR using two sets of primers

The selection and development of primer sets for the specific amplification of DNA derived from pathogenic leptospires was undertaken. DNA sequence analysis of PCR products from several leptospiral strains were also performed. This technique was primarily intended to examine PCR as a potential means of early predictions of leptospirosis. The results derived did not entirely correspond with those derived from PCR conducted on DNA sequences of the 16S rRNA gene. However, it was concluded that the PCR has a potential use as a method for the early detection of leptospires in the period between the onset of the first clinical symptoms and the detection of the antibodies.