Seroprevalence of Leptospira antibodies among populations at risk

Abstract

Objective: This study was performed to assess the Leptospira IgG antibodies seroprevalence among populations at risk in Hodeida Governorate, Yemen.Methods: A total of 200 subjects (136 males and 64 females) participated in this study during June and December 2012.They represented 10 sewage workers, 22 butchers, 16 construction workers, 108 agriculture workers, 20 hospital sanitary workers and 24 blood donors. Predesigned questionnaires and consent were taken from each individual. Blood samples were collected from subjects, and the sera were tested by ELISA to detect the presence of leptospira IgG antibodies. The possible related factors for seropositivity were evaluated.Results: Leptospira IgG antibodies were found positive in 42% of the participants. The highest seroprevalence level was detected in sewage workers (80%), followed by hospital sanitary workers (60%), construction workers (37.5%) and farmers (37%). The lowest of antibodies was in butchers (36.4%). Seroprevalence among blood donors was 25% which was comparatively less than of the populations at risk. Seropositivity of Leptospira IgG antibodies was found higher among males than females (42.6% vs. 34.4%). The highest Leptospira antibodies seropositivity was among elderly participants (81.8%). The seropositivity of antibodies in population live in rural and urban areas was not significant differences. As for closely contacting with animals, the highest antibodies were discovered in people who had goats (80%) and sheep (60.9%). Conclusion:Individuals engaged in risk activities are often exposed to leptospiral infection. Therefore, control and prevention policy toward these people are necessary.

Prevalence of Leptospirosis Amongst Slaughterhouse Workers and Butchers in Sana'a City-Yemen

“…The total seroprevalence of leptospirosis according to positive Leptospira IgG antibodies (cut off > 30 IU/ml) in our study group was 41.3%. This result is similar to previously seroprevalence studies reported in Yemen Hodeida in which the rate was 42% 3 . Also similar findings were demonstrated in studies conducted in Thailand: 12.7-40% 8 , in Indonesia: 37% 9 .…”

“…The possibility of get in touch with animal pathogens whilst working depends on a variety of aspects, for instance the health of the animals, the kind of job executed the incidence of make contact with animals, and/or their tissues and carcasses, the employ of personal and environmental protective measures, and the manners and levels of awareness of the people at risk 1. Slaughterhouse workers and butchers are on elevated risk of contracting zoonosis. In Yemen, previous studies have recognized zoonosis similar to leptospirosis and brucellosis, such as potential occupational hazards for slaughterhouse workers 2,3 . Leptospirosis is a widespread infections that involves both humans and animals 1 .…”

“…Leptospira spp., can be spreading to humans throughout broken skin or mucous membranes by making contact with tissues, body fluids, and organs of infected animals, or by ingestion of food or water contaminated by the urine of infected animals 4. In humans, leptospirosis cause a wide variety of signs including fever, jaundice meningo-encephalitis, kidney failure myocarditis, myalgia, conjunctivitis, meningitis, and pulmonary haemorrhage with respiratory failure, which occasionally outcomes in fatality 5. Leptospirosis is an occupational hazard with farmers, butchers and slaughterhouse workers 4. Since butchers and slaughterhouse workers are in contact with animals; and their body fluids and tissues, they are at great hazard of contracting zoonosis 6. Trade in considerable numbers of livestock from neighboring countries to Yemen, and reports of leptospirosis, Q fever and brucellosis eruption in neighboring countries 3,7 encouraged us to assess the prevalence of leptospirosis and risk factors in slaughterhouse workers and butchers in Sana'a city, Yemen.…”

Leptospirosis Outbreak After the 2014 Major Flooding Event in Kelantan, Malaysia: A Spatial-Temporal Analysis

“…However, it is noted that the incidence is higher among the elderly aging between 60 and 74, and this can also be seen in a study conducted in Yemen where the highest prevalence rate of Leptospira IgG antibodies was found among old population of above 58 years of age. 28 In another study in Bulgaria, leptospirosis incidence among those aging from 60 to 78 constituted about 14% of their sample population and was associated with severe course and higher risk of death requiring prompt intensive treatment. 29 We noted the surge in leptospirosis incidence during the different periods of our study.…”

Epidemiology of Leptospirosis: The First Literature Review of the Neglected Disease in the Middle East

“…Among studies from the United Arab Emirates, one showed a seroprevalence of 4.1% [ 58 ] in camels, and another showed a seroprevalence of 1.7% in cattle [ 59 ]. In Yemen, a seroprevalence of 41.3% [ 60 ] and 42% [ 61 ] by ELISA was reported in humans, and a seroprevalence of 6.7% by SSI was reported in camels in Saudi Arabia [ 62 ].…”