[Serological survey of human leptospirosis in a high risk population in Chile]

Two hundred and sixty five subjects with high risk works for leptospirosis were submitted to microscopic agglutination test for leptospira. 122 worked at animal farms, 71 in rice growing fields and 72 in slaughter houses. 30 control subjects were also tested. A total of 66 samples (22%) were positive, most of them with low titers. Percentage of positive reactions were higher for persons working in rice fields, followed by those working in slaughter houses and animal farms. The 21-40 year age group was most affected in all working sites. Serovars found most commonly were ichterohemorrhagic in rice field workers, hardjo and ballum in slaughter houses and pomona and hardjo in animal farms.