Interactions between environment, wild animals and human leptospirosis

Ullmann LS (1), Langoni H (2)

(1) Postgraduate Program in Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil; (2) Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry, São Paulo State University (UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista), Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil.

Abstract: Leptospirosis, a worldwide distributed zoononis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira (antigenically classified into serovars), may be direct or indirectly transmitted through infected urine or environment. Several domestic and wild animals are leptospirosis reservoirs. The disease presents occupational character since it is widely reported in professionals that work in humid environments - such as sewage workers and fishermen - and in places where rodents or susceptible animals are found, like slaughterhouses and veterinary clinics. In developing countries, outbreaks are related to lack of sanitation, overcrowding in inadequate housing and climatic conditions. In developed countries, sporadic cases occur in aquatic recreational activities including swimming and triathlon. The diagnosis of leptospirosis is complex due to the variety of symptoms, disease severity and the lack of techniques that are able to early detect the infection. Thus, leptospirosis causes numerous public health problems and educational activities are very important to its control.

Key words: Leptospira spp., leptospirosis, public health, occupational disease, recreational disease.

COPYRIGHT

© CEVAP 2011

SUBMISSION STATUS

Received: December 9, 2010.

Accepted: December 15, 2010.

Abstract published online: January 25, 2011.

Full paper published online: May 31, 2011.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

There is no conflict.

FINANCIAL SOURCE

The State of São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) provided the research fellowship for Leila Ullmann.

CORRESPONDENCE TO

HELIO LANGONI, Departamento de Higiene Veterin­ária e Saúde Pública, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Junior, s/n, Botucatu, SP, 18616-970, Brasil. Phone: +55 14 3811-6270, ext. 24. Fax +55 14 3811 6075. Email: hlangoni@fmvz.unesp.br.