Open AccessHigh exposure to pathogenic leptospires by the population residing in dairy farms in Hidalgo, Mexico
Author(s) -
Miguel Galarde-López,
Miriam Bobadilla del Valle,
Luisa María Sánchez-Zamorano,
Anabel Ordaz-Vázquez,
María Elena Velázquez-Meza,
Orbelín Soberanis-Ramos
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
brazilian journal of microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1678-4405
pISSN - 1517-8382
DOI - 10.1007/s42770-021-00453-y
Subject(s) - leptospirosis , leptospira , zoonosis , serotype , direct agglutination test , population , veterinary medicine , environmental health , livestock , seroprevalence , leptospira interrogans , cross sectional study , biology , medicine , serology , antibody , immunology , ecology , pathology
Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease of unknown magnitude that has been overlooked and underreported, influenced by complex interactions established among humans, animals, and the environment; certain occupations, such as working with livestock, have an increased risk of exposure. We conducted a cross trans-sectional study in 374 serum samples obtained from workers and residents of dairy farms in the Tizayuca Basin, Hidalgo, Mexico, to determine the prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibody and the risk factors associated to this type of environment. The determination of anti-Leptospira antibodies was obtained by microscopic agglutination test. Seropositivity was defined from titles > 1:100. Seropositivity of anti-Leptospira antibodies among the population was 46.8% (176/374) (95% Cl 41.9-52.1). Thirty-nine percent (146/74) of the analyzed serum reacted to the Hardjo serovar (Sejröe serogroup). Eighty-eight percent (8/9) slaughterhouse workers tested were seropositive. Those who belonged to an ethnic group had OR 1.78 (IC 1.02-3.11, P = 0.041). Seropositivity was associated with having a secondary school level or lower, with OR 1.79 (IC 0.97-3.29, P = 0.058). Exposure to Leptospira in a dairy production farm is a risk factor for humans. Our findings can contribute to strengthening the intervention of the Public Health System to prevent this zoonosis that prevails in dairy farm environments.