Laboratory Findings of Leptospirosis

Laboratory Findings

Total WBC count slightly elevated with neutrophilia.
Rising titer of leptospiral antibodies is found from the second week onwards.
Increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (about 60 mm).
Thrombocytopenia.
Increased serum creatinine.
Liver function tests usually denote hepatocellular damage with intrahepatic obstructive element.
Normo/hypokalemia.
Urinalysis with proteinuria.
Hematuria and casts.
Increase in serum bilirubin (predominantly direct) levels.
Alkaline phosphatase level moderately elevated, as well as SGOT and SGPT levels.

Diagnosis of Leptospirosis

The disease is diagnosed using specific blood tests available through public health laboratories.
In the first week of the disease, cultures from the blood or CSF are taken.
In the second week, cultures from the urine are taken.
Microscopic agglutination – two blood specimens must be serologically compared during an interval of two weeks, an initial titer of 1:100 or at least a fourfold rise in antibody titer confirm the diagnosis.
Macroscopic slide agglutination – ELISA, Dot – ELISA reveals detection of leptospiral IgM antibodies.