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MANILA, Philippines — Researchers at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) have developed a test kit that accurately predicts who among patients contracting leptospirosis is at risk of developing serious complications, allowing doctors to put them under strict monitoring to prevent kidney and lung problems.
A product of the UPM’s National Institutes of Health-Institute of Human Genetics (NIH-IHG), the new molecular test measures and monitors blood molecules and determines who among patients are likely to come down with a severe case of the disease, which is a major health problem in the country, especially during the rainy season.
READ: DOH records rise in leptospirosis cases in June
“We developed this kit called Molecular Detection of Complement Factor I (CFI) and Alpha-Defensin (DEFA1) Prognosticators for Leptospirosis. We offer a first-in-market technology that can predict the early onset of deadly complications of leptospirosis with high accuracy. This test measures proteins that target lung hemorrhage and kidney failure, allowing us to predict early on which patients need priority care,” senior research associate Raphael Joshua de Guzman said in a statement.
CF1 and DEFA are proteins produced by the body’s immune system. The CF1 monitors the occurrence of lung hemorrhage, while DEFA monitors kidney failure.
The current kit uses real-time polymerase chain reactions—which are used in lab-based COVID-19 tests—but UPM NIH-IHG researchers are looking at developing other platforms such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) that is used to detect antibodies in the blood, and lateral flow assays to commercialize and expand its market reach.
“Prevention is better than treatment. With this test, we can identify high-risk patients early and provide them with the necessary care, especially given our limited health-care resources,” De Guzman said.
1 million cases yearly
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria that is found in water contaminated by the urine of affected rats.
It occurs worldwide but is endemic mainly in countries with humid subtropical and tropical climates. It is estimated that more than one million cases of leptospirosis occur worldwide annually, with almost 60,000 deaths.
The disease poses a major health problem in the Philippines, especially during the rainy season from June to November.
In 2023, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 6,057 cases, a 39 percent hike from 4,356 in 2022. The death toll also rose from 526 to 654.
The DOH warned last week that the number of leptospirosis patients has gone up with the onset of the rainy season, with 878 cases and 84 deaths recorded as of June 15.
It generally takes two to 30 days to get sick after having contact with the bacteria that causes leptospirosis.
Patients who contract leptospirosis often experience mild flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, body or muscle aches, vomiting or nausea, and yellowish skin and eyes.
But about 5 percent of them can develop more severe complications, such as Weil’s Syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and lung hemorrhage.
The new molecular test was developed by a group of scientists headed by Dr. Jose B. Nevado Jr. of NIH-IHG, in collaboration with San Lazaro Hospital, Philippine General Hospital Medical Center, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, UP College of Medicine and UP College of Public Health. The NIH-IHG has patented the CFI and DEFA1 biomarker tests both locally and internationally. The research team also has a working prototype that has been validated in two independent studies.
Their next step is to register the molecular testing kit with the Food and Drug Administration and seek international partners for further distribution.
“We are looking for partners who can help us expand the reach of this technology to countries with a high burden of leptospirosis,” De Guzman said.
Those interested may contact Dr. Jose V. Nevado Jr., the research arm head, at (632) 5310-5731 local 113 or email: jbnevado1@up.edu.ph.