[PCR method for the early detection of Leptospira spp. in hemocultures from patients suspected of leptospirosis].

The PCR method for the early detection of Leplospiras spp. in hemocultures from patients suspected of human leptospiros was applied. Molecular methods and, particularly, the amplification of DNA by PCR, and its variants, are very useful and specific tools used nowdays to this end. Leptospiras spp. were identied by means of PCR in 41.3 % (33/80) of the hemocultures at 7 days of incubation. They were also classified as positive by the conventional methods. However, it was also possible to identify Leptospiras spp. in 20% (16/80) by this method, but they proved to be negative by the conventional methods. Of the hemocultures, 38.7% (31/80) yielded negative by PCR and by the conventional methods. The use of PCR starting from hemocultures is a valuable alternative for the early detection and rapid diagnosis of Leptospiras spp.