First Real-Time PCR in Morocco for Human Leptospirosis Using TaqMan Probes Targeting the LipL32 Gene

Currently, qPCR has been used as a rapid diagnostic method for human leptospirosis. Previous studies have indicated that qPCR has high sensitivity in the early days of the illness. The aim of this study was to evaluate qPCR as a diagnostic method for human leptospirosis in the National Institute of Hygiene, Rabat, Morocco. From 2004 to 2016, 67 sera related to 67 patients with clinical signs mimic to leptospirosis were sent to the laboratory of Bacteriology for routine diagnosis and confirmation. SAT, ELISA IgM, ELISA IgG, and qPCR were used for the diagnosis. High positivity was observed by SAT (88.24%), ELISA IgM (58.82%), and real-time PCR (17.64%), in sequence. No negative results by serological tests had positive results by real-time PCR. Forty-six patients were males (68.68%) and 21 were females (31.34%). The high incidence observed was from Sidi Qacem (40%). SAT and ELISA IgM are useful for the diagnosis of human leptospirosis in Morocco and they can provide prompt and low-cost diagnosis, especially when resources are limited.