Developing Real-Time PCR for Molecular Diagnosis of Leptospirosis in Indonesia (DETECSI)

Funder
Wellcome

Principal Investigator
Dr Suwarti

Duration
July 2019 – December 2022

 

 

The project aimed to set up validated molecular leptospirosis diagnosis using lipl32 and secY genes, for use in settings where availability of MAT is restricted.

Background

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals, and is one of the WHO-listed neglected tropical diseases. The incidence of leptospirosis in Southeast Asia is estimated at 12.5 cases in 100.000 per year with a mortality of severe leptospirosis estimated between 5-40%.

In Indonesia, leptospirosis is likely to be an underrecognized, underreported problem, because of the infection being clinically unapparent, misdiagnosed as dengue fever, typhoid fever or other endemic diseases, and because of the lack of laboratory capacity to perform confirmatory tests.

Laboratory analysis of leptospirosis is based on a serological gold standard, microscopic agglutinin test (MAT), which is only available in very few reference laboratories in Indonesia. Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and the most densely populated province. During a heavy flood in January 2020, the Jakarta Health Agency reported an outbreak of more than 250 suspected leptospirosis cases.

Aims

We sought to investigate archived blood specimens from suspected leptospirosis cases from the leptospirosis surveillance program as well as hospitalised cases.

Outputs to date

A small bio-archive has been established of specimens of suspected leptospirosis cases from epidemiological surveillance and hospitalised cases. Laboratory analyses are currently ongoing.

An online public discussion on Leptospirosis held by DETECSI researcher and OUCRU PCE team using WhatsApp
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OUCRU Investigators

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Related

UI

Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia

Jakarta Health Office

Jakarta Health Office

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Jakarta Regional Health Laboratory

Forum Theatre Simulation

Analyse Tam’s choices. Step inside the story as an interactive spectator to break the chain of medical mishaps before it’s too late.

STORY TIMELINE PROGRESSION

progress step 6

The Ultimate Prevention: Vaccine Status

What if the volunteer leader had checked everyone’s Tetanus vaccination status before leaving for the field trip?

Vaccination Changes Everything

  • 100% Preventable: As you can see from our play, Tetanus cannot be cured easily once symptoms start and can be costly. But it is almost completely preventable with regular vaccination.
  • 10-Year Rule: Adults need a Tetanus booster shot every 10 years to maintain immunity.
  • Early booster shot: If you receive a deep or dirty cut (such as in the play, one from a rusty tool), you may need a booster if your last shot was more than 5 years ago.

When was your last Tetanus shot? Check your records today — a simple booster is the ultimate protection against unexpected accidents.

Forum Theatre Simulation

Analyse Tam’s choices. Step inside the story as an interactive spectator to break the chain of medical mishaps before it’s too late.

STORY TIMELINE PROGRESSION

progress step 5

Scenario Solved at Step 5!

Life-saving intervention! Jaw stiffness (lockjaw) is a classic symptom of active Tetanus toxin. Immediate hospital admission is required to secure the airway and control muscle spasms.

What if Tam had an ultimate shield against tetanus—protecting him from rusty tools before the trip even started?

Forum Theatre Simulation

Analyse Tam’s choices. Step inside the story as an interactive spectator to break the chain of medical mishaps before it’s too late.

STORY TIMELINE PROGRESSION

progress step 4

Scenario Solved at Step 4!

Good call! Healthcare providers depend on the full context. Clearly stating that an injury involved rusted metal alerts the nurse to assess Tetanus exposure immediately.

What if Tam had an ultimate shield against tetanus—protecting him from rusty tools before the trip even started?

Forum Theatre Simulation

Analyse Tam’s choices. Step inside the story as an interactive spectator to break the chain of medical mishaps before it’s too late.

STORY TIMELINE PROGRESSION

progress step 3

Scenario Solved at Step 3!

Spot on! Social media content often promotes unverified advice that delays crucial medical intervention. Deep, dirty cuts always require professional evaluation within hours.

What if Tam had an ultimate shield against tetanus—protecting him from rusty tools before the trip even started?

Forum Theatre Simulation

Analyse Tam’s choices. Step inside the story as an interactive spectator to break the chain of medical mishaps before it’s too late.

STORY TIMELINE PROGRESSION

progress step 2

Scenario Solved at Step 2!

Smart choice! Clostridium tetani bacteria thrive in organic material like dirt and leaves. Keeping raw plants out of deep cuts prevents pushing bacterial spores deeper into tissue.

What if Tam had an ultimate shield against tetanus—protecting him from rusty tools before the trip even started?

Forum Theatre Simulation

Analyse Tam’s choices. Step inside the story as an interactive spectator to break the chain of medical mishaps before it’s too late.

STORY TIMELINE PROGRESSION

progress 1 of 6

Scenario Solved at Step 1!

Great call! By stopping work with high-risk, corroded tools, you removed the physical source of Tetanus exposure entirely before an injury could even happen.

What if Tam had an ultimate shield against tetanus—protecting him from rusty tools before the trip even started?

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