Usefulness of the Ranking Technique in the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) to Predict the Most Likely Infecting Serogroup of Leptospira

The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) used for the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis, as a robust and inexpensive method, is still the reality in many laboratories worldwide. Both the performance and the interpretation of the MAT vary from region to region, making standardization difficult. The prediction of the probable infecting serogroup using this test is indispensable for elucidating the epidemiology of the disease; however, in veterinary medicine, many studies consider any reaction detected with a titer of 100, which may ultimately overestimate some serogroups. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the ranking technique for predicting the probable infecting serogroup identified by the MAT, eliminating cross reactions with other serogroups. Leptospira strains (12 samples) were inoculated in hamsters, and after 30 days, serology was performed by the MAT for these animals to confirm the infecting serogroup. Using the ranking technique, the probable infectious serogroup found with the MAT was the same as that in which the strains of inoculated leptospires belonged; additionally, the technique can be applied in epidemiological studies involving herds.

Automated summary

The MAT is a robust and inexpensive method used for the serological diagnosis of leptospirosis, but its performance and interpretation vary geographically, making standardization difficult. This study evaluated the usefulness of the ranking technique for predicting the probable infecting serogroup identified by the MAT, and found that the technique successfully eliminated cross reactions with other serogroups.