Abstract

ROMERO, Marlyn H; SANCHEZ, Jorge A  and  HAYEK, Linda C. The prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira in urban human and canine populations from the Tolima Department. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2010, vol.12, n.2, pp.268-275. ISSN 0124-0064.

Objective Determining Leptospira sp. antibody seroprevalence and prevalent serovars in human and canine populations from three municipalities in the Tolima department of Colombia. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study (subjects being selected by convenience sampling in 62 districts). Samples were collected from 850 dogs and 850 people during June, July and August 2007; these were processed using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and five serovars: Hardjo, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Bratislava. MAT was considered positive when 50 % or more leptospira were agglutinated with one or more serovars in a 1:100 serum dilution in both species. Results At least one serovar showed evidence of infection in 6 % of the people and 21.4 % of canines. The most prevalent serovars were Pomona and Grippotyphosa in two populations. Co-agglutinations were present in 49 % of human sera and 19.2 % of canine samples. Decreased Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar agglutination frequency was evident in dogs. Conclusions There was a change in leptospirosis pattern in urban populations. Active and passive surveillance must be strengthened, routine diagnostic tests implemented and preventative measures taken in specific animal reservoirs.

Keywords : Sero-epidemiological study; risk factor; leptospirosis.

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