Background: Traditionally, the most common diagnostic approach used for diagnosing leptospirosis was the demonstration of immune-seroconversion in acute and convalescent patient serum samples. Recently, a variety of molecular techniques, including conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have been developed for the specific detection of pathogenic bacteria from the genus Leptospira. PCR is a sensitive, specific, and rapid technique that has been successfully used to detect several microorganisms; including those of clinical significance. Methods: In this study, we developed a multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay for detecting Leptospira’s DNA. The mPCR assay detects both the 16S rRNA gene and the major outer membrane lipoprotein gene, which is known as LipL32. Representative serovars were tested from 10 species of Leptospira and 23 other species of bacteria. Results: A positive result was obtained from all leptospiral serovars. The amplification sensitivity for the multiplex assay was 21.8 pg and 1 x 103 leptospires/ml. This mPCR assay has the potential to facilitate a rapid and sensitive diagnosis for acute leptospirosis. Conclusion: The mPCR assay developed in this study can be used for the early detection of leptospirosis. The LipL32 gene could also serve as another target to aid in the efficient detection of leptospiral infection because using 2 sets of primers in mPCR increases the sensitivity and specificity of the test.

comprehensive overview of chronic hepatitis C (CHC)management.1 The author highlighted the concern over theexorbitant cost of direct-acting antivirals, which is the reason for their limited use in Malaysia currently. Based on the findings of the previous studies, the author also underlined that Asians receiving the conventional, interferon-based treatment generally have a higher sustained virological response (SVR) rate as compared with Caucasians and African Americans, mainly due to the interleukin-28B (IL28) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) across different ethnic populations. Nonetheless, to date, information on the variations in IL-28 genotypes among different ethnic groups in Malaysia is still limited.