Human leptospirosis in Portugal: a retrospective study of eighteen years

Abstract

Seropositivity was associated with both anicteric and icteric leptospirosis. Several risk factors and a higher transmission risk in certain areas were emphasized. Leptospirosis was confirmed as a steadily increasing public health problem; good surveillance, communication, and laboratory support are thus necessary to reduce the impact of leptospirosis in areas at risk.

Molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases in São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal): A hospital-based descriptive study

“…The data showed that males and farmers were the most affected by this pathogen. These results are in accordance with the study developed by Vieira et al [5] and Esteves et al [6], where a significant link to professional activities and/or contact with rodents and domestic animals (natural reservoirs for leptospires) was observed.…”

“…transmission, such as high levels of humidity (77.0% average/year) and precipitation. In fact, this same trend was previously observed by Vieira et al [5].…”

“…Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic and a recognized neglected infectious disease that is caused by spirochetes of the Leptospira genus from the family Leptospiraceae [5]. These spirochetes are responsible for severe human disease leading to a systemic infection, characterized by clinical manifestations that vary greatly from flu-like symptoms to multiple organ failure and death [6].…”

“…These spirochetes are responsible for severe human disease leading to a systemic infection, characterized by clinical manifestations that vary greatly from flu-like symptoms to multiple organ failure and death [6]. Leptospirosis is known for its endemicity, and is considered a public health problem due to its high annual incidence rate in semi-tropical climates, such as the Azores Islands (Portugal) [5,6]. Transmission of leptospirosis can occur through direct contact with an infected animal or its urine, placental fluids, or milk.…”

Diagnostic utility of an immunochromatography test for the detection of Leptospira IgM antibodies in domestic dogs

“…There is a lack of awareness of leptospirosis mainly due to the subclinical nature of the disease and the technically demanding laboratory tests as MAT, making the disease difficult to diagnose both in the clinic and in the laboratory (WHO 2001, Hartskeerl 2003, Vieira et al 2006). These issues contribute to the process: under-diagnosis, under-reporting and neglection of the disease (Hartskeerl et al 2011).…”