Prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira in asymptomatic persons and dogs in Chancay, Lima 2001

Abstract

Objectives. To determine the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospiras in asymptomatic persons engaged in agriculture, fisheries and trade, and domestic dogs from Chancay (Huaral, Lima). Material and methods. Cross sectional survey, serum samples were taken from 268 residents of three localities, who were assessed of the presence of total antibodies against Leptopsiras by IgG ELISA and microagglutionation test (MAT). We founded the associated factors with positive Leptospiras calculating OR and 95% confidence interval. By de same token, it took serum samples from 241 dogs to be tested for MAT Results. The prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira in asymptomatic persons was 10.1% (95%CI: 6.3-13.9), wich was associated tith water supply for consumption in creek or pit (OR: 3.48, 95%CI: 1.39- 8.74), with the history of swimming in the river or canal (OR: 4.75, 95%CI: 1.51-14.92) and have an age between 21-40 years (OR: 2.47, 95%CI: 1.10-5.52). The most frequent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae and Canicola according MAT. In dogs, 27.8% (67/241) had positive serology to Leptospiras. Conclusions. There is a median prevalence of positive serology for Leptospiras in the asymptomatic general population and encouraging conditions for the presence of Leptospiras in the localities studied. In this areas is recommended frequent preventive educational activities, taking in to account the results of this study and health personnel to be suspected of Leptospirosis as a cause of febrile syndrome.