Question

Microbiological test for diagnosing leptospira infection?

• A. Cold agglutination
• B. Standard agglutination
• C. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT)
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To diagnose leptospira infection, several microbiological tests may be considered, but the most widely recognized is the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). This test is crucial due to its specificity and is commonly regarded as the gold standard for leptospira infection diagnosis.

Steps involved in MAT:

1. A serum sample from the patient is collected.
2. The serum is then diluted and mixed with various serovars of Leptospira.
3. If antibodies to leptospira are present, they will bind to the bacteria, causing visible clumping (agglutination) under a microscope.
4. The degree of agglutination is then observed and scored to determine the presence of infection.

The MAT is preferred due to its ability to detect a wide range of leptospira serovars, allowing for comprehensive diagnosis. Compared to other options like cold agglutination or standard agglutination, MAT is definitive for leptospira.

Test Option	Description
Cold agglutination	Not useful for leptospira diagnosis.
Standard agglutination	General agglutination technique; not specific to leptospira.
Microscopic agglutination test (MAT)	Gold standard for leptospira diagnosis.
None of these	Not applicable.

Thus, the most appropriate microbiological test among the given options for diagnosing leptospira infection is the Microscopic agglutination test (MAT).