Butantan Institute develops test for early detection of leptospirosis

Butantan Institute has developed a pioneering test that can detect leptospirosis at its earliest stages, allowing treatment to start early, improving patients’ quality of life.

The test uses a protein developed in the laboratory by Butantan researchers. This new technology proved to be superior to the conventional test recommended by the World Health Organization for detecting the disease, which only identifies antibodies when the infection is advanced.

The new test is said to have been able to detect the disease in over 70 percent of patients who had obtained false negative results in the first few days of symptoms.

Another positive aspect of the exam is that it showed 99 percent specificity, i.e. it specifically detected antibodies against leptospirosis, without showing a cross-reaction with other infectious diseases, like dengue and malaria.

The institute’s goal now is to develop a rapid test, similar to those used to detect COVID-19 at drugstores. However, instead of nasal secretions, urine or blood could be collected.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Leptospira, found in the urine of rats and other animals.

It is transmitted to humans mainly through floods or contact with contaminated water. The World Health Organization estimates that some 500 thousand new cases occur worldwide each year.