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Leptospirosis in piggery workers on Trinidad
C O Everard1, G A Ferdinand, L V Butcher
1MRC/Barbados Govt. Leptospira Laboratory, Bridgetown.
The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|August 1, 1989
Summary
Leptospirosis outbreaks on Trinidad pig farms affected workers, with higher antibody titers in pigs on affected farms. Dogs and rodents are suspected sources of infection for pigs and farm workers.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with significant public health implications.
- Pig farms can serve as reservoirs for Leptospira, posing a risk to animal and human health.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and serogroups of leptospirosis in pigs and humans on Trinidadian pig farms.
- To identify potential sources of infection and risk factors associated with human leptospirosis on these farms.
Main Methods:
- Serological testing for leptospiral agglutinins in pigs, livestock animals, farm workers, and dogs.
- Analysis of human leptospirosis case data, including occupation and mortality.
- Comparison of seropositivity and antibody titers between pigs on farms with and without human illness.
Main Results:
- Eight human leptospirosis cases (6%) were linked to pig farm work, with three fatalities.
- Pigs on farms with human cases showed higher Leptospira antibody titers (geometric mean 209.5) than those on unaffected farms (91.5).
- High serological evidence of exposure (93%) was found in workers on a farm with multiple human cases.
Conclusions:
- Pig farms in Trinidad are a significant source of human leptospirosis.
- Dogs and rodents are implicated as potential primary sources of Leptospira for pigs and farm workers.
- Further research into reservoir hosts and transmission is recommended for targeted interventions.