Has Madagascar lost its exceptional leptospirosis free-like status?

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Leptospirosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic disease causing significant morbidity and mortality.
• Reports of leptospirosis in humans and animals in Madagascar are scarce, indicating potential underreporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the seroprevalence of human leptospirosis in Moramanga, Madagascar.
• To identify potential risk factors associated with leptospirosis infection in the study population.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2011, involving 678 inhabitants from 263 households.
• The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used to detect antibodies against Leptospira.
• Questionnaires were administered to gather data on potential risk factors and human-animal interactions.

Main Results:

• The first recorded seroprevalence of leptospirosis in the human community of Moramanga was 2.9%.
• Frequent contact between humans and rodents was reported.
• Activities involving cattle were significantly associated with seropositivity (Odds Ratio = 3).

Conclusions:

• Leptospirosis is a neglected public health issue in Madagascar.
• There is a need for large-scale studies to quantify the disease's impact nationwide.
• Establishing point-of-care diagnostic laboratories in remote areas is recommended.