The Leptospiral Reference Laboratory was accredited by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in 1958 and by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) in 2001. The reference laboratory is involved in many ongoing aspects of leptospiral research, surveillance and diagnosis in the human and veterinary fields.
Extensive collaborations with universities and government departments throughout Australia have contributed to significant research into the epidemiology of the disease in domestic, native and feral animals and their potential for disease transmission to humans through occupational or recreational exposures. Molecular classification of isolates by PCR and public health related aspects of the disease in the community are also areas of attention by the laboratory.
As part of the WHO Terms of Reference, the laboratory assists overseas public health authorities to monitor disease outbreaks and provide training and surveillance.
Computer databases for leptospirosis on an Australian and associated State-wide basis are operated and held on site. These databases and surveillance reports support public health authorities in Australia, WHO and the International Leptospirosis Society.
Leptospirosis was first recognised in Queensland in 1934 among cane cutters of Ingham. It is an acute febrile disease occurring in humans and animals worldwide. The disease is potentially lethal with involvement of the hepatic, renal and central nervous systems. Leptospirosis occurs in all parts of Australia with the highest incidence of the disease in Queensland. Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease in all States and Territories of Australia.
Further information can be obtained from the article "Review of Leptospirosis Notifications in Queensland and Australia, January 1998 - June 1999" Comm. Dis. Intell. 2000. 24:152-157.
Updated 11 July 2008. All files are Adobe® Acrobat® files < 50 kB.
The WHO/FAO/OIE Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis as part of Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services has attained recognition of our Business Management Processes within a number of arenas.
E-mail: lee_smythe@health.qld.gov.au
Phone: +61 7 3274 9064 / +61 7 3274 9061
Fax: +61 7 3274 9175
Street address:
WHO/FAO/OIE Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis
Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services
39 Kessels Road
Coopers Plains Queensland Australia
Postal address:
WHO/FAO/OIE Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Leptospirosis
P.O. Box 594
Archerfield Queensland 4108 Australia
OIE Reference Laboratory
Logo used with permission of Office International des Epizooties (OIE)
World Health Organization Collaborating Centre
Logo used with permission of World Health Organization (WHO)
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