Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic agent, capable of causing disease in humans.
Description
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals and represents an occupational hazard to veterinarians, abattoir workers, dairy and pig farmers. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.
The most commonly encountered serovars associated with clinical disease are:
- Cattle: L hardjo, L pomona
- Pigs: L pomona, L tarassovi
- Horses: L pomona
- Dogs: L copenhageni
Zoonotic infections are usually acquired from the maintenance host for each serovar:
- Cattle: L hardjo
- Pigs: L pomona, L tarassovi
- Rats: L copenhageni
In the maintenance host, infections by these specific serovars are likely to be endemic, whereas serovar infections in non-maintenance hosts are usually associated with sporadic outbreaks of disease. The most common manifestations of leptospirosis is milk drop syndrome/mastitis in cattle and abortion in other species.
In general, culture of tissues, stomach content, foetal fluids, urine or milk is not undertaken, except under specific arrangements with the laboratory.
Diagnosis and tests available
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is suggested by serology and confirmed by demonstration of leptospires (PCR, direct microscopic examination of urine or foetal fluids) and/or demonstration of organisms in kidney by histopathology.
Tests available
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
|---|---|---|---|
Direct dark field microscopy | Aborted foetus | Monday to Friday | 1 day |
Histopathology examination | Fixed tissue | Monday to Friday | Up to 5 days |
Leptospira MAT | Clotted blood (red top tube) or aborted foetus | Wednesday and Thursday | Up to 5 days |
Leptospira PCR2 | PCR performed from culture | Monday to Friday | Up to 5 days |
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
2 This test is not NATA accredited.
Additional Information
Specimen requirements
| Aborted foetus |
|---|
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| Blood (without anti-coagulant) |
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| Fixed tissue |
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Customer Service
Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
NSW DPI's laboratories are committed to continual improvement of services. If you would like to provide feedback, please fill in and submit the online feedback form.
CONTACT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1800 675 623 |
| Operating Hours | 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only) |
| Postal Address | Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567 |
Quotations
For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request
For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957
For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103
Submission Forms
Veterinary Specimen Advice Form
Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au) for more information.
Courier services and specimen delivery
For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.
For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.
Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the SVDL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.
Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).
Sample Type | Laboratory | Street Address |
|---|---|---|
Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |
