Abstract

ESCOBAR G., Diego F. et al. Epidemiology of leptospirosis in Tolima - Colombia, 2009 - 2011. Rev. Fac. Nac. Salud Pública [online]. 2013, vol.31, n.1, pp.48-57. ISSN 0120-386X.

OBJECTIVE:: To describe the epidemiological behavior of patients with presumptive diagnosis of leptospirosis in department of Tolima (Colombia), between 2009 and 2011.   METHODOLOGY A cross sectional study was carried out. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings of 243 patients with presumptive leptospiroris, utilizing modified FAINE criteria were analyzed.   RESULTS : There were 48 cases with presumptive diagnosisof leptospirosis (19.8%), 87 negative cases (35.8%) and 108 inconclusive cases (44%). The icterohaemorrhagiaewas the serovarmost common among presumptive positive, most patients were male (87%), with the mean age of 37years, residents of urban areas, with deficient public services (80.9%). Hospital treatment was required in 87.6% of patients;there were acute cases of the disease (91%), hepatic impairment (65.9%), 19% of the patients died.   CONCLUSIONS : Leptospirosis is a disease with different demographic and clinical characteristics, with difficult and sometimes late diagnosis. Presumptive diagnosis of leptospiroris was associated with working in open environment, living in unsanitary conditions, having calf pain and fever.

Keywords : Leptospirosis; epidemiology; Tolima; Colombia.

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