UP Manila experts develop detection tool for leptospirosis complications

A prognosticator that can identify a person's risk of leptospirosis complications has been developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines Manila National Institutes of Health.

According to the latest feature of “Game Changer” in “24 Oras” on Friday, the patented leptospirosis prognosticator examines biological molecules or biomarkers present in blood.

“Halos lahat ng mga namatay at saka lahat ng nagkaroon ng pulmonary complications mababa yung molecule na 'yun compared sa normal,” said Dr. Jose Nevado Jr. of the UP-NIH.

(The count of that molecule was lower than normal in nearly all of the people who died and experienced pulmonary complications.)

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by animals, such as rodents. Urine from infected rats could mix with floodwater during heavy rains and could therefore enter the body of a person wading through floods.

Its symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headaches. But in severe cases, patients may experience yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light stools, and low urine output.

“Kung malaman namin na itong mga pasyente na ito ay magiging severe in the long run, hindi namin 'yan papauwiin. Sila yung talagang dapat nakabantay sarado sa ospital,” said Dr. Catherine Lynn Silao, also from the UP-NIH.

(If we find out that this patient will be in severe condition in the long run, we will not allow them to be discharged. They need to be closely monitored in the hospital.)

“So yung leptospira na ito basta nagbaha nagkakaroon, dumadami sila. Pwede silang pumasok sa sugat mo, maaari kang magkasakit,” said Nevado. “Tapos magdudulot sila ng damage sa ating mga organs.”

(The leptospira multiplies in floodwaters. These can enter your wounds and could make you sick. This will cause damage to your organs.)

How does the leptospirosis prognasticator work? First, RNA will need to be sourced from the extracted blood sample. The RNA will later be mixed with the master mix from the leptospirosis prognosticator.

It will be placed in a QCPR machine to get the data needed.

Two blood molecules are needed to be monitored - complement factor I (CFI) and alpha-defensin (DEFA).

If a leptospirosis patient’s CFI is low, he is susceptible to lung complications. But if one has a high DEFA, he has a higher chance of getting kidney complications.

By using the prognosticator, the developers intend to assist medical professionals in determining the appropriate treatment for individuals with leptospirosis.

“Matuturuan natin yung mga manggagamot to wisely decide kung ano yung treatment care ng pasyente,” said Nevado.

(We can help doctors wisely decide on what treatment should be given to the patient.)

Data from the Department of Health showed that there were 594 cases nationwide from October 27 to November 9, which is 2.5 times higher than the 234 cases recorded from October 13 to 26, 2023.

There were 7,234 leptospirosis cases nationwide as of November 23, 2024, up 19% from the 6,058 cases in the same period last year. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News