Leptospirosis seroprevalence and risk factor in patients with febrile syndrome from Ayacucho, Perú 2005

Abstract

Objectives. To estimate the prevalence of leptospirosis and risk factors in febrile patients who come to Hospital de Apoyo San Francisco in Ayna, Ayacucho. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study conducted with 209 patients with febrile syndrome without malaria, hepatitis B and typhoid. They conducted an epidemiological survey and took blood samples which were analyzed by ELISA IgM and microagglutination test (MAT) for the determination of serovars of leptospira. We calculated the prevalence and risk factors using a multiple logistic regression model. Results. The seroprevalence was 30.6 (95%CI: 24.1-37.1%), 39% of housewives, 33% of farmers and 30% of health professionals examined were positive for leptospira. We isolated 15 serovars, five of them (Autumnalis, Wolffi, Tarassovi, Patoc and Hardjo) are new for the area of study. Only 18% of the cases had the classic pain in the calf. Wash your clothes in the river (aOR: 2.7; 95%CI: 1.4-5.2), the presence of rats in the house (aOR: 2.2; 95%CI: 1.1-4.5) and the use of sandals for daily activities (aOR: 2.2; 95%CI: 1.1-4.5) are risk factors for the positivity of antibodies against leptospira in febrile patients adjusted of other factors evaluated. Conclusions. Leptospirosis is a frequent cause of febrile syndrome in patients who came to the Hospital de Apoyo San Francisco, the signs and symptoms of the disease are not specific and risk factors are associated with poor sanitation and habits of the population.