Leptospirosis occurrence in agricultural communities in Setiu, Terengganu

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging infectious disease of public health importance. Infection can occur through occupational and environmental exposure of the causative agent through contaminated water in the agricultural field. In this study, soil and water samples were screened for the presence of Leptospira sp. In addition, the study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) on leptospirosis among agricultural communities in Setiu, Terengganu. A total of 40 environmental samples were randomly collected from rice fields, rubber plantation and oil palm plantation. All samples were examined for the presence of Leptospira sp by quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) assay. KAP survey was carried out among 248 respondents using standardized modified translated questionnaires. Findings from this study revealed that only 5% of water collected from rice field area showed the presence of Leptospira sp. Similarly, only 5% of soil collected from oil palm plantation showed the presence of Leptospira sp DNA. Majority of respondents (52.58%) had moderate knowledge and unsatisfactory practice score (72.51%) but showed 75.21% of satisfactory attitude score. The findings also showed there is a significant difference in knowledge with regards to the signs and symptoms of leptospirosis (0.004). Furthermore, the practice score on rat control measures estimated 0.011 between three groups of respondents. The presence of Leptospira sp in the agricultural area and medium knowledge and practice among agricultural communities possesses environmental risks of contracting to leptospirosis. Hence, necessary interventions should be implemented by relevant authorities to prevent future transmission of leptospirosis in agricultural areas.