Leptospirose humana e animal: estudos transversais na região sul do Rio Grande Sul

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis that has a worldwide distribution, occurring endemic in tropical and subtropical countries. Transmission occurs through direct contact with carrier animals, contact with contaminated soil or water, and also through exposure to urine or aborted tissues from infected animals. The bacteria Leptospira can also affect a wide variety of domestic animal species, which serve as reservoirs for human infection. Thus, in this work we evaluate the information available in the literature on leptospirosis in the rural area of Rio Grande do Sul in the last 25 years, highlighting the association of domestic animals with the disease in humans. We also evaluated the prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in a rural community in the municipality of Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. In addition to evaluating possible epidemiological clues associated with seroprevalence. Of the 216 residents who participated in the study 46 (21.29%) presented a prevalence for leptospirosis with titres varying from 25 to 800. Of the variables tested 13 were statistically significant. Such as water box cleaning, fishing, fat box cleaning, residence subject to flooding, among others were associated with seroprevalence. Emphasizing the importance of using personal protective equipment when handling the soil, water and animals. We also verified the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in sheep slaughtered in southern Rio Grande do Sul from May to October 2017. Of the 81 animals tested, 23 (28.39%) had titers ranging from 100 to 1600, close to average national. Among the most prevalent pathogenic serovars were Autumnalis (26.66%) and Hardjo (20%). The most urgent measures needed to avoid the disease seem to be the proper disposal of trash and waste; use of personal protection when handling water, soil, and animals; and proper sanitary control of livestock, especially through vaccination. The prevalence of leptospirosis in sheep for the serovar Autumnalis, related mainly to rodents, shows an uncontrolled importance of these.