Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic spirochetal disease with global importance, which continues to have a major impact on public health in developing countries. The prevalence of the disease is much higher in males. The objectives of this study were: to give some data and to share our experience with human leptospirosis in Albania; to describe the prevalence regarding to the role of gender in the prevalence of human leptospirosis; to make a gender specific analysis of the clinical manifestations in patients diagnosed and treated for leptospirosis in our service and to make a review of literature related to this hypothesis.
Methodology: We reviewed the epidemiologic data, risk factors and differences in clinical presentation between males and females’ patients with leptospirosis. These data are analysed from hospitalized patients. Diagnosis of leptospirosis was established based on clinical presentation, epidemiological data and subsequently confirmed serologically by Anti-Leptospira IgM antibodies through ELISA test.
Results: Between 2005-2016, 233 cases of confirmed leptospirosis were analysed. Males were 208 (89.27%) and 25 of patients (10.72%) were females in ratio 9:1 p < 0.001. The highest prevalence was observed in the 45-64 age groups. Overall mortality was found to be 8.58%, 19 were males and one female p < 0.001.
Conclusions: There is a much higher prevalence of leptospirosis in middle aged men. Mortality rate seems to be similar in males and females. While the difference in prevalence may be related to exposure to risk factors, further investigation is necessary to study gender-based genetic and immunological predisposition.
BACKGROUND: Contaminated drinking water causes extensive outbreaks of illness because of the large number of people served by water supply facility.
AIM: The present study describes a community epidemic outbreak of infection with multiple pathogens in Kruja city, Albania, in October 2021.
METHODS: This descriptive study presents a case of epidemic outbreak caused by the hydric system in the inhabitants of the Kruja city from October 23, 2021 to October 29, 2021. A standard questionnaire was used for interview that addressed clinical symptoms, food consumption, and environmental exposures. Clinical specimens were cultured using standard microbiological methods for bacterial and viral pathogens. During 6 days of epidemy, 690 patients were treated to the emergency room of Kruje hospital.
RESULTS: Day 3 presented the highest number of patients 39.1% (270/690) and the last day of epidemy presented the lowest number of patients 1.4% (10/690). Abdominal pain continuing with vomiting was more frequently clinical sign among patients. The most affected age group is 15–44 years old, which is also the most active age group. Salmonella Gr. B and Norovirus G2 were the results taken from the examination of stool samples. Analysis of a water sample resulted in Enterococcus faecalis contamination.
CONCLUSION: Problems with drinking water are still present in our country. The latest outbreak shows the special care and importance of safe storage and distribution of drinking water. Investments in water supply as well as rigorous monitoring of drinking water should be an absolute priority of both public health and local government employees.
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