Sensitivity of real-time PCR performed on dried sera spotted on filter paper for diagnosis of leptospirosis.

In remote countries, leptospirosis confirmation is difficult because it requires the shipment of frozen samples to reference laboratories. The sensitivity of leptospirosis real-time PCR performed on filter paper-dried serum samples stored at ambient temperature was evaluated at 2 × 10(2) equivalent leptospires/ml (eqLeptospires/ml). This easy alternative procedure can be used to enhance the surveillance of leptospirosis.