TaqMan real-time PCR for detection of pathogenic <i>Leptospira</i> spp. in canine clinical samples

Abstract Introduction Canine leptospirosis has always been a differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with clinical signs and blood profiles associated kidney and/or liver disease. The conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides diagnoses, but real-time PCR-based tests provide earlier confirmation determine the severity of infection, especially acute stage, allowing early detection for immediate treatment decisions. To our knowledge, PCR not routinely adopted investigation Malaysia. This study evaluated TaqMan (qPCR) assays diagnosing compared their applicability to samples from disease against reference. Material Methods qPCR were validated using existing leptospiral isolates. Whole urine analysed PCR, LipL32(1) LipL32(2) qPCRs microscopic agglutination test. sensitivity specificity determined. Results assay had more diagnostic value than assay. Further evaluation this revealed that it could detect as low five DNA copies per high tested strains. No cross-amplification was observed other organisms. Analysing samples, 100.0% &gt;75.0% specificity. Conclusion is sensitive, specific potential be applied future studies.