Prevalence Of Leptospirosis Research Articles

Insights on the Pooled Prevalence and Global Distribution of Leptospirosis in Goats: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Insights on the Pooled Prevalence and Global Distribution of Leptospirosis in Goats: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

STUDY OF HUMAN LEPTOSPIROSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, VISAKHAPATNAM

Objective: Prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is found in an alarming number in recent times. This endemic zoonotic disease is widespread and potentially fatal. It is usually seen in areas with poor socioeconomic conditions, water stagnation, garbage accumulation, which becomes breeding sites for the rodents. Infection may turn epidemic during monsoon. Reservoir of infection is rat scientifically named as Rattus rattus and infection results from direct or indirect exposure to host animals that carry the pathogen in their renal tubules and shed pathogenic leptospires in their urine. The main objective of this study was to estimate the seropositivity of leptospirosis in patients presenting with undifferentiated acute febrile illness for 5 to 7 days during one year period from February 2023 to February 2024 in a tertiary care hospital, Visakhapatnam, India. Methods: A total of 279 blood samples received from suspected cases of leptospirosis were subjected to IgM ELISA. Results: Out of total 279 cases, 20 were positive for leptospirosis (OD ratio ≥1.00). All the positive cases presented with a fever more than 99.5°F, chills and headache with elevated serum procalcitonin levels. Peak incidence of cases was recorded during July and August 2023. Conclusion: Seroprevalence of human leptospirosis in this study was found to be 7.2%.

Prevalence and risk factors of bovine leptospirosis in the Ecuadorian Amazon

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is an infectious zoonotic disease that significantly affects animal health, particularly the reproduction of ruminants. However, some aspects of epidemiology and clinical characteristics have not been clarified. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors of leptospirosis in female bovines at reproductive age in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Materials and Methods: A total of 213 bovines were studied in the Amazon province of Zamora Chinchipe, in which a microscopic agglutination test was used to diagnose a panel of eight serovars of Leptospira borgpetersenii (Sejroe) and Leptospira interrogans, Australis, Bataviae, Canicola, Tarassovi, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Wolffi, and Hardjo. An epidemiological survey was conducted to identify risk factors by animal and herd and clinical symptoms associated with Leptospira spp. infection; and blood samples were collected to determine the differences between seropositive and seronegative animals regarding hematocrit, hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular Hb concentration, total red blood cell count, total platelet count, leukocytes, total proteins, creatinine, and ureic nitrogen. Results: The prevalence of bovine leptospirosis was 12.21% (26/213), with positive reactions in the Australis, Sejroe, Bataviae, Canicola, and Tarassovi serovars. No variables were considered risk factors, nor clinical signs associated with the infection, nor were there differences in the hematological parameters between the seropositive and seronegative animals. Conclusion: These findings indicate the persistence of Leptospira on cattle farms in the Ecuadorian Amazon and highlight the interaction between domestic and wild species. It is crucial to implement control measures and improvements in management practices under the One Health approach to reduce accidental infections from contact with wildlife; the awareness of farmers is essential for effective prevention. Keywords: amazon region, bovine, leptospirosis.

Study on Seroprevalence and Leptospiral Antibody Distribution Among Livestock Breeders and Farmers in Golestan Province.

The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and the distribution of serovars in livestock breeders and farmers in Golestan province. Seventy samples of serum collected from farmers and ranchers suspected of leptospirosis were examined using an ELISA method for surveying Immunoglobulin M (IgM) anti-leptospiria. Also from samples, DNA was extracted and PCR was performed using by primers for 16s rRNA. Demographic properties of positive patients were analysed. Chi-square statistical test shows a statistically significant difference between the gender and prevalence leptospirosis (p-value = 0.004). Also, by examining the age, it was shown that 68.57% of patients are in the middleaged rang. According to the results obtained from the study and investigation of blood serum IgM-and Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in people suspected of leptospirosis, 3 cases of the patients had IgM higher than 11 and were known to be positive for leptospirosis. Also, by examining the IgG level of patients, 5 cases had intermediate results, and 2 cases were found to be positive for IgG. The PCR results showed that 41.42% of patients tested positive for the 16s rRNA. Leptospirosis is a common disease among farmers, and in Golestan province, considering traditional farming methods, it is considered an important infectious disease. Therefore, health and safety measures should be expanded to control and prevent this disease. Also, by employing mechanised agricultural methods, the prevalence of leptospirosis in this region can be significantly reduced.

Under-Reporting of Human Leptospirosis Cases in Cities of Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the pathogenic Leptospira species through direct or indirect contact with infected animals. Due to protean clinical manifestation in the early stages, leptospirosis is often difficult to distinguish from other common acute febrile illnesses, such as dengue. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of leptospirosis in suspected dengue patients whose serological diagnosis was negative. A total of 449 serum samples from patients (negative IgM-ELISA dengue) with fever, headache, myalgia, and nausea were tested. The Dual-Path Platform (DPP) rapid test developed by the Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos Bio-Manguinhos in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was used for screening IgM antibodies against Leptospira in blood serum, and the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed on samples positive in the DPP for leptospirosis, as well as on an equal number of negative samples. Results: The data obtained from the samples analyzed with the DPP assay showed 26 positive results (5.79%), of which 38.46% were male and 61.54% female, with a mean age of 41 years. We tested 52 samples using the MAT, including 26 reactive for IgM and 26 non-reactive in the DPP assay. Nine samples (17.31%) were reactive, and among them, six also showed reactivity in the DPP assay. Of the six samples reactive in both tests, 66.67% were female, living in urban areas in the city of Uberlândia, with a mean age of 50 years, being 50% white, 33.33% brown, and 16.67% black. The findings demonstrated that leptospirosis cases are underdiagnosed and undertreated in the study population and more attention needs to be paid for ruling out leptospirosis and other pathogens causing acute febrile illness in dengue-endemic areas.

Epidemiological analysis of leptospirosis, dengue, and Co-infection rates among febrile illness cases in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

IntroductionLeptospirosis and dengue are two significant public health concerns in tropical and subtropical regions, often resulting in severe forms of disease and fatality. This study addresses the pressing public health issues of leptospirosis and dengue in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. Both diseases pose significant health risks and are relatively understudied in this region, making it essential to investigate their prevalence and clinical presentations for targeted healthcare planning. AimThe primary aim is to determine the frequency of leptospirosis and dengue among febrile illness cases to understand the epidemiological patterns and assess co-infection rates in Dakshina Kannada. MethodBetween 2020 and 2021, serum samples suspected of leptospirosis were tested using IgM ELISA (n = 1629) and the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) (n = 92) for leptospirosis, while dengue was tested using NS1Ag and IgM antibodies ELISA (n = 1415). Data were collected through medical records and patient interviews. Seasonal trends, gender, and age distributions were analyzed. ResultThe study found a significant prevalence of leptospirosis (21 %) and dengue (10 %) among febrile illness cases in the study area, with a 1.3 % co-infection rate. Clinically, fever was common to both diseases, but leptospirosis also frequently exhibited symptoms such as abdominal pain, myalgia, and jaundice. MAT screening revealed a predominance of anti-leptospiral antibodies against the Djasiman, Pyrogenes, Hurstbridge, Hebdomadis, and Grippotyphosa serogroups in Dakshina Kannada. ConclusionThe study highlights the urgent need for focused public health interventions, improved diagnostic tools, and targeted epidemiological studies to manage these diseases. The findings underscore the necessity of enhancing diagnostic capabilities and public health awareness, particularly considering the significant health risks posed by leptospirosis and dengue in the region.

Outbreak of Intermediate Species Leptospira venezuelensis Spread by Rodents to Cows and Humans in L. interrogans-Endemic Region, Venezuela.

Leptospirosis is a common but underdiagnosed zoonosis. We conducted a 1-year prospective study in La Guaira State, Venezuela, analyzing 71 hospitalized patients who had possible leptospirosis and sampling local rodents and dairy cows. Leptospira rrs gene PCR test results were positive in blood or urine samples from 37/71 patients. Leptospira spp. were isolated from cultured blood or urine samples of 36/71 patients; 29 had L. interrogans, 3 L. noguchii, and 4 L. venezuelensis. Conjunctival suffusion was the most distinguishing clinical sign, many patients had liver involvement, and 8/30 patients with L. interrogans infections died. The Leptospira spp. found in humans were also isolated from local rodents; L. interrogans and L. venezuelensis were isolated from cows on a nearby, rodent-infested farm. Phylogenetic clustering of L. venezuelensis isolates suggested a recently expanded outbreak strain spread by rodents. Increased awareness of leptospirosis prevalence and rapid diagnostic tests are needed to improve patient outcomes.

Unraveling Sociocultural Influences on Leptospirosis Incidence and Prevalence: A Qualitative Study in Sri Lanka.

This study aimed to explore sociocultural determinants that might contribute to the increased prevalence and incidence of leptospirosis, and how those determinants can also hinder health promotion interventions, particularly in rural areas of Sri Lanka. Even though several epidemiological studies have been conducted on leptospirosis in the Asia-Pacific region, the sociocultural background of this disease has not received sufficient attention. Therefore, through a qualitative study involving nine public health officials and 25 infected patients in five selected health administrative divisions, we demonstrate that a set of certain sociocultural determinants influence leptospirosis incidence and its prevalence. The thematic analysis generated six themes: a lack of knowledge of the causes and consequences of leptospirosis, false illness interpretations, a lack of readiness for the disease, poor economic conditions, social capital failure, and issues within the health system at the community level. Overall, results suggest that awareness programs aimed at demystifying false interpretations of leptospirosis lie at the center of any health promotion interventions at the community level.

Epidemiological Features of Leptospirosis and Identification of Leptospira wolffii as a Persistently Prevailing Species in North-Central Bangladesh.

Leptospirosis is considered to be the most widespread, yet neglected, re-emerging zoonotic disease caused by infection with a pathogenic species of the genus Leptospira. Although this disease is prevalent in Bangladesh, the recent epidemiological status has not yet been well documented. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis among febrile patients using different diagnostic methods and to characterize the epidemiological features and species of Leptospira in Mymensingh, north-central Bangladesh. Among the blood samples of 186 patients with suspected leptospirosis who met the inclusion criteria, including having a fever for more than 5 days (November 2021-June 2022), 88 samples (47%) were Leptospira-positive according to IgM LAT, IgM ELISA, or nested PCR (positivity rates: 38%, 37%, and 42%, respectively). Nested PCR showed a significantly higher positivity rate (54%) in patients with a short fever (5-10 day) than the other methods did, with lower rates among those with a longer fever. Leptospirosis cases were more common in males (68%), those 16-45 years of age (70%), residents of rural areas (81%), and farmers (41%). In addition to a fever, myalgia and jaundice were found in more than 70% of the patients, while variable symptoms were observed. The 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that the Leptospira species in all the 22 samples tested were L. wolffii, belonging to the pathogenic subclade P2. This study showed the recent epidemiological features of leptospirosis in Bangladesh, indicating the presumptive predominance of L. wolffii since 2019.

Unveiling Leptospira Antibody Seroprevalence among Voluntary Blood Donors: Insights from a Single-center Observational Study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is among transfusion transmissible infections but is not screened routinely among blood donors and is endemic in Southern India. The presence of carrier state and the donors being asymptomatic may lead to transfusion transmission in the absence of screening. We aimed to study the prevalence of leptospirosis among blood donors and to assess the need to implement screening strategies for its detection. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted among blood donors using Purposive sampling to select donors for the study. The samples collected for routine transfusion transmissible infections screening were used to screen for Ig M antibodies to leptospira infection by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Samples that were reactive twice were true positive. These donors were contacted telephonically to enquire if they developed any symptoms of the infection. RESULTS: A total of 3576 came for blood donation during the study period of which 124 participated in the study. Among the 124 donors screened, a total of seven samples (5.64%) samples were found to be reactive for IgM Leptospira antibodies. The mean age of the donors that were found to be reactive was 27.5 years (SD: 3.15, Range: 20-45 years) with a male to female ratio of 6:1. All these donors were asymptomatic before or after seven days and 2 weeks of blood donation. CONCLUSION: Approximately six out of 100 donors screened were positive for IgM antibodies of Leptospira without any symptoms. As there is a risk of transmission via blood transfusion, regular screening may be needed at least in areas of high prevalence.

Association between Exposure to Leptospira spp. and Abortion in Mares in Croatia.

Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic infections and a major problem in terms of both veterinary medicine and public health. However, the disease is under-recognised and under-diagnosed worldwide, particularly in horses. Clinical leptospirosis in horses is mainly associated with recurrent uveitis (ERU), which has recently been studied more intensively, and reproductive disorders, the epidemiology of which is still relatively poorly understood. To enhance our comprehension of abortions caused by leptospirosis in horses and to identify the causative strains, a serological study was carried out with subsequent molecular characterisation of the isolate obtained. Using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), serum samples from mares that aborted and foetal fluids (when available) were tested for antibodies against Leptospira spp. Furthermore, bacteria isolation from kidney cultures was conducted. Of 97 mare serum samples, 21 (21.64%) tested positive, with Grippotyphosa and Pomona being the most frequently detected serogroups. A significantly higher seroprevalence was found in aborting mares compared to the healthy horse population from the same geographical area, as well as a pronounced seasonal variation. Leptospiral antibodies were not detected in any of the foetal fluids, but isolation was successful in 1 case out of 39 (2.56%). Genotyping by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) identified the obtained isolate as Leptospira kirschneri, serogroup Pomona, serovar Mozdok. Further surveillance and molecular typing of Leptospira strains causing abortion in horses would be invaluable in understanding the prevalence and impact of leptospirosis on equine reproductive health in Europe.

The Influencing Factors of The Leptospirosis Prevalence in the Working Area of the Kebonagung Public Health Center

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease in the world caused by the bacterium Leptospira sp. The Kebonagung Public Health Center reported 34 cases of leptospirosis in 2023. The purpose of the study is to determine the factors influencing the leptospirosis prevalence in the Working Area of the Kebonagung Public Health Center. The type of this research was quantitative using a case control study design. The number of samples obtained were 22 cases and 22 controls. The sampling technique used were non probability sampling with purposive sampling. Univariate data analysis construed the frequency distribution, bivariate analysis with Chi-square test, and multivariate analysis with logistic regression test. The results of the bivariate analysis shows that there is an influence between education (p-value=0,018), occupation (p-value=0,037), and past injury (p-value=0,003) on the prevalence of leptospirosis in the working area of the Kebonagung Public Health Center. There is no influence between income (p-value 0,280) and personal hygiene (p-value=0,203) on the leptospirosis prevalence in the working area of the Kebonagung Public Health Cente,. The results of multivariate analysis shows that the factor that most influenced the prevalence of leptospirosis in the working area of the Kebonagung Public Health Center, is past injuries with (p-value=0,006). It is hoped that the public will adopt clean and healthy living habits, especially in caring for wounds and with Increasing leptospirosis surveillance, cross-sectoral coordination, and also familiarization of leptospirosis prevention and control need to be conducted as soon as possible to prevent the prevalence of leptospirosis.

Prevalence, genetic diversity and eco-epidemiology of pathogenic Leptospira species in small mammal communities in urban parks Lyon city, France.

Rodents are recognized as the main reservoirs of Leptospira spp. Rats, in particular, serve as hosts for the widely predominant Leptospira interrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae, found worldwide. Several studies have shown the importance of other reservoirs, such as mice or hedgehogs, which harbor other leptospires' serovars. Nevertheless, our knowledge of circulating Leptospira spp. in reservoirs other than rats remains limited. In this context, we proposed an eco-health approach to assess the health hazard associated with leptospires in urban green spaces, where contacts between human/small mammals and domestic animals are likely. We studied the prevalence, the diversity of circulating strains, and epidemiology of pathogenic Leptospira species in small terrestrial mammal communities (rodents and shrews), between 2020-2022, in two parks in Lyon metropolis, France. Our study showed a significant carriage of Leptospira spp. in small terrestrial mammals in these parks and unveiled a global prevalence rate of 11.4%. Significant variations of prevalence were observed among the small mammal species (from 0 to 26.1%), with Rattus norvegicus exhibiting the highest infection levels (26.1%). We also observed strong spatio-temporal variations in Leptospira spp. circulation in its reservoirs. Prevalence seems to be higher in the peri-urban park and in autumn in 2021 and 2022. This is potentially due to differences in landscape, abiotic conditions and small mammal communities' composition. Our study suggests an important public health relevance of rats and in a lesser extent of other rodents (Apodemus spp., Clethrionomys glareolus and Mus musculus) as reservoirs of L. interrogans, with rodent species carrying specific serogroups/serovars. We also emphasize the potential hazard associated between the shrew Crocidura russula and L. kirschneri. Altogether, these results improve our knowledge about the prevalence of leptospirosis in an urban environment, which is an essential prerequisite for the implementation of prevention of associated risks.

Morbidity pattern of communicable diseases in a tertiary care hospital in metropolitan city of western Maharashtra

Background: In India, infectious diseases continue to be predominant with emerging non-communicable diseases, imposing a double burden of diseases on health care system. Hence, the tertiary health care hospital-based study was done to compare the morbidity pattern of communicable diseases with respect to non-communicable diseases. Methods: A 2 years’ record-based data of admitted patients was collected in a tertiary health care hospital. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel version 365. Significance of association and difference in proportions has been checked with chi-square test and Z test for SEDP respectively at significance level of 0.05. Results: During the study period of two years, 6818 patients were admitted in the hospital, of which 74.51% suffered from communicable diseases while 25.49% suffered from other types of disease including non-communicable diseases. Of the 5080, patients with communicable diseases, 57.74% were males and 42.26% were females. Communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases had male predominance (p<0.05) and was higher amongst age group 0-15 years (p<0.05). Hospital stay was prolonged in patients suffering from communicable disease (p<0.05). Significant increased difference was found in AFI, Malaria, Dengue and in Leptospirosis prevalence and significant decreased difference was found in acute gastroenteritis, IV, Covid-19, Respiratory infections and enteric fever (p<0.05). Conclusions: Communicable diseases continue to be a major threat to public health system in India. Through effective surveillance programmes, any change in trends of disease can be identified and suitable measures can be adapted to control and prevent it.

Feline leptospirosis prevalence worldwide: A systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic approaches.

Leptospirosis in felids (domestic and wild cats) presents an ongoing challenge in our understanding. Numerous studies have reported the detection of Leptospira spp. in these feline populations, highlighting their potential as zoonotic carriers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide insight into the global prevalence of leptospirosis in domestic and wild cats. We conducted extensive searches across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar) following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocols guidelines. Random-effect meta-analyses were performed using R software version 4.3.0 to estimate pooled prevalence rates. Subgroup meta-analyses were conducted based on continents, diagnostic methods, sample types, and wildcat genera. A total of 71 articles on leptospirosis in domestic cats and 23 articles on leptospirosis in wild cats met the eligibility criteria. Our findings indicated a significantly higher pooled seroprevalence of leptospirosis in domestic cats compared with infection prevalence (9.95% [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.60%-12.54%] vs. 4.62% [95% CI, 2.10%-7.83%], p = 0.01). In contrast, no significant difference was observed in pooled seroprevalence and infection prevalence among wild cats (13.38% [95% CI, 6.25%-21.93%] vs. 2.9% [95% CI, 0.00%-18.91%], p = 0.21). A subgroup meta-analysis of domestic cats revealed significant differences in seroprevalence across continents, sample types, and diagnostic methods. On the contrary, wild cats had no significant differences in any of the subgroups. Leptospira spp. have evidently been exposed to both domestic and wild cats, highlighting their potential roles as reservoir hosts for leptospirosis. These findings highlight the importance of considering felids as a possible public health threat.

Prevalence and risk factors for human leptospirosis at a hospital serving a pastoralist community, Endulen, Tanzania.

Leptospirosis is suspected to be a major cause of illness in rural Tanzania associated with close contact with livestock. We sought to determine leptospirosis prevalence, identify infecting Leptospira serogroups, and investigate risk factors for leptospirosis in a rural area of Tanzania where pastoralist animal husbandry practices and sustained livestock contact are common. We enrolled participants at Endulen Hospital, Tanzania. Patients with a history of fever within 72 hours, or a tympanic temperature of ≥38.0°C were eligible. Serum samples were collected at presentation and 4-6 weeks later. Sera were tested using microscopic agglutination testing with 20 Leptospira serovars from 17 serogroups. Acute leptospirosis cases were defined by a ≥four-fold rise in antibody titre between acute and convalescent serum samples or a reciprocal titre ≥400 in either sample. Leptospira seropositivity was defined by a single reciprocal antibody titre ≥100 in either sample. We defined the predominant reactive serogroup as that with the highest titre. We explored risk factors for acute leptospirosis and Leptospira seropositivity using logistic regression modelling. Of 229 participants, 99 (43.2%) were male and the median (range) age was 27 (0, 78) years. Participation in at least one animal husbandry practice was reported by 160 (69.9%). We identified 18 (7.9%) cases of acute leptospirosis, with Djasiman 8 (44.4%) and Australis 7 (38.9%) the most common predominant reactive serogroups. Overall, 69 (30.1%) participants were Leptospira seropositive and the most common predominant reactive serogroups were Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 20, 29.0%), Djasiman (n = 19, 27.5%), and Australis (n = 17, 24.6%). Milking cattle (OR 6.27, 95% CI 2.24-7.52) was a risk factor for acute leptospirosis, and milking goats (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.07-5.16) was a risk factor for Leptospira seropositivity. We identified leptospirosis in approximately one in twelve patients attending hospital with fever from this rural community. Interventions that reduce risks associated with milking livestock may reduce human infections.

Epidemiological Status of Leptospirosis in India

A corkscrew-shaped spirochaete named Leptospira interrogans causes the infectious disease called leptospirosis. Leptospirosis, a growing public health concern worldwide, from subclinical infections to potentially lethal pulmonary hemorrhage. The disease caused by the pathogenic Leptospira, poses a threat to both humans and animals, and its transmission occurs through contact with infected animals, contaminated water, and soil. The prevalence of leptospirosis is influenced by various factors, including climate, urban development, and animal-rearing practices. It can manifest with severe symptoms in humans, making early diagnosis crucial. Diagnostic methods like microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) are widely used for the screening of leptospira infection. Molecular technique like PCR and qPCR offering higher sensitivity and rapidity. This paper meta-analyses the incidence of leptospirosis in various animals based on the literature published from 2005 to 2023 and provides prevalence of the disease in various animal including humans. Results suggest the significance prevalence of the disease in humans and various animal species, namely buffalo, rodents, and dogs. Coastal regions in India were particularly vulnerable to the disease. Efforts to control leptospirosis include surveillance programs and public health initiatives. Understanding the epidemiology and prevalence of leptospirosis, as highlighted in this paper, is essential for implementing effective preventive measures. Finally, a continued research, diagnostic advancements, public awareness campaigns and addressing research gaps in epidemiology of the disease are critical in mitigating the impact on human and animal health. This review provides important data for public health authorities, veterinarians, scientists and for the public, in general.

Modeling the dynamics of leptospirosis in India.

Leptospirosis, a formidable zoonotic threat spawned by Leptospira, plagues tropical and subtropical realms. This study delves deep into tropical Indian states, namely, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, unraveling the dynamics of leptospirosis through a comprehensive mathematical model that embraces temperature-driven growth rates of Leptospira. Sensitivity analysis and parameter estimation techniques fortified the model's accuracy, unraveling the factors shaping leptospirosis transmission. Notably, the numerical results highlight the significant impact of rainfall, fishing, climate, mining, agriculture, and cattle farming on leptospirosis prevalence in the endemic states of India. Finally, our study urges resolute preventive action to control and combat leptospirosis in India. Strengthening surveillance, impactful awareness campaigns, targeted interventions, and improved hygiene practices among high-risk individuals are vital. Embracing these proactive strategies will alleviate the burden of leptospirosis and enhance public health in India and beyond.

Seroprevalence of Equine Leptospirosis in the State of Goiás, Brazil.

Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira, is a zoonotic disease that, in horses, is linked to abortions, uveitis, and sporadic occurrences of liver and kidney disease, often resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. Research on the prevalence of leptospirosis in horses in the central-west region of Brazil has been relatively scarce. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of leptospirosis in equine herds in the state of Goiás (Central Brazil). Blood samples were collected from 894 equids at 294 randomly selected farms divided into three different strata according to their herd characteristics. The microscopic agglutination test for the detection of anti-Leptospira agglutinins was carried out and the results showed that among the 294 sampled farms, 213 (72.9%; CI 95% 71.7-78.9) had one or more animals positive for leptospirosis, and of the 894 horses sampled, 513 (61.6%; CI 95% 54.3-69.0) were seropositive for leptospirosis. Djasiman, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Australis were the most prevalent serogroups. The results showed a high prevalence of seropositive animals and a widespread distribution of positive farms in the state of Goiás. Thus, environmental sanitation measures and health education to prevent and control equine leptospirosis in the state are required.

One Health Approach to Leptospirosis: Dogs as Environmental Sentinels for Identification and Monitoring of Human Risk Areas in Southern Brazil.

Leptospirosis has been a neglected, widespread and reemerging zoonotic disease of global importance. The One Health holistic approach combining human, animal and environmental health has been important for control and prevention of zoonotic disease. An urban municipality in Southern Brazil with a high prevalence of leptospirosis was selected by convenience, with asymptomatic human and canine individuals serologically tested using MAT against 30 Leptospira spp. serovars. Epidemiological questionnaires were assessed along with the historical national database, with associated risk factors to dog and human seropositivity analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The spatial distribution of retrospective human leptospirosis cases was analyzed using a Kernel map and overlapped dog seropositivity and historical flooding areas, demonstrating that domestic and asymptomatic dogs may be important environmental sentinels for leptospirosis in such urban areas, even in the absence of human seropositivity and low canine seropositivity. Associated risk factors for leptospirosis in dogs and humans according to multiple regression included healthy dogs (p = 0.02, odds ratio-OR = 0.17, confidence interval of 95%CI 0.03-0.71) with indoor access (p = 0.059, OR = 5.12, 95%CI 1.10-37.7) and human males (p = 0.042, OR = 2.44, 95%CI 1.08-6.11) with presenting calf pain (p = 0.005, OR = 3.14, 95%CI 1.46-7. 14), jaundice (p < 0.001, OR = 4.61, 95%CI 2.11-10.10) and renal failure (p = 0.008, OR = 4.49, 95%CI 1.49-13.76). The greater the rain precipitation (above 3 mm of average annual precipitation), the higher the number of leptospirosis cases in humans. In conclusion, dog active serosurvey and rain precipitation should be systematically reported and plotted altogether as a basis for the early detection and monitoring of human risk areas. Such findings may serve as a basis for public health policies in Brazil and other endemic countries worldwide.