Leptospirosis in South-western Spain

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease with potential underestimation in certain regions.
• This study focuses on describing the clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of leptospirosis in Southwestern Spain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze cases of leptospirosis in Southwestern Spain.
• To identify epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and prognostic factors associated with the disease.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 86 leptospirosis cases from April 1997 to April 2013.
• Diagnosis confirmed by clinical and serological (Leptospira IgM ELISA) criteria.
• Collection of epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and prognostic data.

Main Results:

• The study identified a mean annual incidence of 1.99/100,000, with 84.9% of cases in males.
• Common risk factors included contact with animals (pigs, dogs, cows, sheep) and contaminated water.
• Frequent symptoms were fever, arthralgia, and headache; laboratory findings included hypertransaminasemia, renal insufficiency, and thrombocytopenia.
• Leptospirosis was associated with lymphocytic meningitis in 12.5% of cases and Weil's disease in 15.1%.
• Mortality was linked to age over 60 and a diagnosis of Weil's disease.

Conclusions:

• Leptospirosis has a notable incidence in the studied region, often presenting with fever and arthralgias in men with occupational exposures.
• The disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymphocytic meningitis.
• Advanced age is a significant predictor of mortality in leptospirosis patients.