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Molecular detection of Leptospira interrogans in human tissues and environmental samples in a lethal case of leptospirosis

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Abstract

A forensic case of suspected Leptospirosis with fatal course was resolved by the molecular detection of Leptospira interrogans in postmortem human tissues and in environmental samples. Polymerase chain reaction analysis and DNA sequencing confirmed the clinical diagnosis of Weil syndrome, and the death was considered to be an occupational accident with all the legal implications.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forensic Sciences, University of Siena, Policlinico “Le Scotte”, Viale Bracci, 53100, Siena, Italy

    D. Luchini, G. Morabito & M. Gabbrielli

  2. Department of Molecular Biology, Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    F. Meacci, M. R. Oggioni, V. D’Amato & G. Pozzi

Authors
  1. D. Luchini
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  2. F. Meacci
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  3. M. R. Oggioni
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  4. G. Morabito
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  5. V. D’Amato
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  6. M. Gabbrielli
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  7. G. Pozzi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to D. Luchini.

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Luchini, D., Meacci, F., Oggioni, M.R. et al. Molecular detection of Leptospira interrogans in human tissues and environmental samples in a lethal case of leptospirosis. Int J Legal Med 122, 229–233 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-007-0212-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-007-0212-4

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