Editing Leptospirosis (section)

====Serological tests====
Rapid detection of ''Leptospira'' can be done by quantifying the IgM antibodies using [[ELISA]]. Typically, ''L. biflexa'' antigen is used to detect the IgM antibodies. This test can quickly determine the diagnosis and help in early treatment. However, the test specificity depends upon the type of antigen used and the presence of antibodies from previous infections. The presence of other diseases such as [[Epstein-Barr virus]] infection, viral [[hepatitis]], and [[cytomegalovirus]] infection can cause false-positive results.<ref name="Haake 2015"/> Other rapid screening tests have been developed such as dipsticks, [[Latex fixation test|latex]] and slide agglutination tests.<ref name="Lane 2016"/>

The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) is the reference test for the diagnosis of leptospirosis.<ref name="Haake 2015"/> MAT is a test where serial dilutions of patient sera are mixed with different serovars of ''Leptospira''. The mixture is then examined under a [[Dark field microscopy|dark field microscope]] to look for [[Agglutination (biology)|agglutination]]. The highest dilution where 50%&nbsp;agglutination occurs is the result.<ref name="Haake 2015"/> MAT [[Titer|titres]] of 1:100 to 1:800 are diagnostic of leptospirosis.<ref name="Lane 2016"/> A fourfold or greater rise in titre of two sera taken at symptoms' onset and three to 10&nbsp;days of disease onset confirms the diagnosis. During the acute phase of the disease, MAT is not specific in detecting a serotype of ''Leptospira'' because of cross-reactivity between the serovars.<ref name="Haake 2015"/> In the [[convalescent]] phase, MAT is more specific in detecting the serovar types.<ref name="Haake 2015"/> MAT requires a panel of live antigens and requires laborious work.<ref name="Bennett 2015"/>