Seroprevalence of and risk factors for leptospirosis in the City of Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2016 Sep-Oct;49(5):628-631. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0115-2016.

Abstract

Introduction: Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium of the genus Leptospira. This study aimed at investigating the seroprevalence of and risk factors for leptospirosis in humans in Manaus, State of Amazonas.

Methods: Interviews were performed, and 1,000 blood serum samples were examined using a microscopic agglutination test.

Results: Forty-three cases were positive; there were 10 serotypes, with coagglutination in 8 cases. The most frequently occurring serotypes were Icterohaemorrhagiae (20.7%), Cynopteri (20.7%), Australis (18.8%), and Copenhageni (16.9%), and the Midwest (54.7%) and South (23.8%) had the most cases; these areas lack basic sanitation.

Conclusions: Disease occurrence might be reduced through improved basic infrastructural conditions.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Agglutination Tests
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leptospira / classification
  • Leptospira / immunology*
  • Leptospirosis / diagnosis
  • Leptospirosis / epidemiology*
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial