Prevalence of Leptospiral Antibodies in some high risk groups in Suez Canal Area

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis caused by infection with pathogenic leptospira species. The spectrum of human disease caused by leptospires is extremely wide, ranging from subclinical affection to a severe syndrome of multiorgan infection with high mortality. The genus leptospira has been divided into two species, L. interrogans, comprising all pathogenic strains and L. biflexa, containing the saprophytic strains isolated from the environment.

Two hundreds pathogenic serovars of L. interrogans exist worldwide. Serovars that are antigenically related have traditionally been grouped into serogroups. Pathogenic leptospira can live for 4 weeks in fresh water, 6 months in urine-saturated soil and 24 hrs. in seawater .

Leptospirosis is presumed to be the most widespread zoonosis in the world. The source of infection in humans is usually either direct or indirect contact with the urine of an infected animal. Transmission takes place when damaged skin or mucus membranes come into contact with infected animal urine or via the conjunctiva. Inhalation of water or aerosols also may result in infection via the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.