Leptospirosis : ADisease of Public Health Importance

Abstract

Leptospirosis has been recognized as an important emerging global public health\rproblem because of its epidemic proportions and increasing incidence in both developing and\rdeveloped countries. The disease is endemic in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andaman, Karnataka,\rMaharashtra. It has also been reported from Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh,\rDelhi and Puducherry. It is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic bacteria called leptospires\rwhich has over 20 serogroups and more than 200 serovars. Man is infected either directly through\rcontact with an infected animal or indirectly by water or soil contaminated with the urine of an\rinfected animal. Human-to-human transmission occurs only very rarely. Leptospirosis can manifest\rin many ways. Clinical diagnosis is difficult because of the varied and non-specific presentation. In\rthis situation, ELISA tests is particularly useful in making early diagnosis. Other serological tests\ravailable are indirect flouroscent antibody test (IFAT), indirect hemagglutination tests (IHAT),\rlatex agglutination tests (LAT), micro capsule agglutination tests (MicAT), counter immuneelectrophoresis\r(CIE) and CFT etc. Antibiotic treatment is effective within 7 to 10 days of infection\rand it should be given immediately on diagnosis or suspicion. In severe cases, admission to a\rhospital is necessary. Identification of the potential risk factors would help understand the\rtransmission dynamics of the disease and formulate public health interventions.