Risk factors associated with antibodies to leptospires in inner-city residents of Baltimore: A protective role for cats

Abstract

Leptospiral antibody prevalence was 16% in residents of Baltimore. Seropositivity was associated with age, gender, race, and bird ownership, and negatively associated with contact with rat excrement and cat ownership. Current cat ownership reduced the antibody risk associated with age and race from odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 3.3 (2.0, 5.5) and 3.3 (1.1, 9.3), respectively, to the baseline level. These data establish the high prevalence of leptospiral antibody in Baltimore and suggest a protective role for cats in reducing the risk of human infection.