Darkfield microscopic (DFM) and serologic evidences for leptospiral infection in panuveitis cases.

186 out of 226 (82%) panuveitis cases showed the presence of leptospira in their blood samples by dark field microscopy. 75% cases were found positive for leptospira after low speed centrifugation and an additional 7% became positive after high speed centrifugation. Leptospirosis was four times more common in males than in females. The disease was more prevalent in the age group of 15 to 54 years. MAT was performed in 23 cases of which 9 were positive. ELISA was performed in 20 cases of which 9 were positive. DFM was positive in 19 out of these 23 cases. MAT, ELISA and DFM were positive in six cases. Highest antibody titre was found due to L. autumalis alone in two cases, L. autumnalis, and L. pomona in one case, L. bharathy in one case, L. lanka alone in one case and L. pomona one in one case. DFM was found to be more sensitive in a smal number of cases and hence DFM needs further evaluation by other workers in this field.