Abstract
ABSTRACT Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease distributed worldwide, which is emerging as a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries. Traditionally, it has been considered as an occupational disease. The objective of this study was to determine the serological prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in meat dealers in the city of Tunja, Boyaca, Colombia. An observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in a population of 186 operators from meat establishments in the city of Tunja. The samples were analyzed using the microagglutination test in order to determine the serovar that causes the infection. Each participant answer a survey with important questions about socio-demographic, epidemiological and occupational factors. A seroprevalence of 43% [n = 80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 36%-50%] was found. According to the serovar analysis, the distribution was: L. bratislava 30% (n = 24; 95%IC: 20%-40%), L. hardjo 21.25% (n = 17; 95%IC: 12%-30%), L. pomona 20% (n = 16; 95%IC: 11%-29%), L. icterohaemorragiae 17.5% (n = 14; 95%IC: 9%-26%), L. grippotyphosa 16.25% (n = 13; 95%IC: 8%-24%), L. canicola 16.25% (n = 13; 95%IC: 8%-24%), and L. tarassovi 11.25% (n = 9; 95%IC: 4%-18%). The prevalence rate found in this study confirms the circulation of the microorganism in these operators, which may suggest the need to reinforce hygienic-sanitary, biosecurity and prevention measures as well as the control of the disease in this population.
Highlights
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of global distribution in urban and rural areas that is emerging as a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries, affecting mainly vulnerable populations
The study population consisted of 186 workers from meat shops in the city of Tunja, Colombia, in 2014
Regarding the working conditions evaluated, we found a mean of 13 years length of service (SD = 11.8)
Summary
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of global distribution in urban and rural areas that is emerging as a public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries, affecting mainly vulnerable populations. It is caused by a spirochete of the genus Leptospira. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated that there are more than 500,000 cases annually worldwide and mortality higher than 10%. The Americas reported the highest number of notifications on leptospirosis, with 568 cases between 2007 and 2011. The main countries involved in these notifications are Brazil, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic and Honduras, due to the weather conditions that favor the permanence and the distribution of Leptospira[3]
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