Sanitation workers from Portugal: Is there evidence of Leptospira spp?

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira spirochetes.
• Rodents are primary reservoirs, and human infection occurs through contact with infected urine.
• Sanitation workers represent an occupational group at increased risk of exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and leptospiral DNA in sanitation workers.
• To evaluate the risk factors and preventive measures related to Leptospira exposure in this occupational group.
• To investigate potential Leptospira infection in sanitation workers in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Region, Portugal.

Main Methods:

• Blood samples from 347 sanitation workers were analyzed for antibodies using MACROLepto-test and Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT).
• Leptospira spp DNA was detected using two nested-PCR protocols (LeptoA-LeptoB and lipL32).
• A questionnaire assessed rodent exposure and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Main Results:

• No antibodies against pathogenic Leptospira spp were detected in the studied sanitation workers.
• Leptospiral DNA from non-pathogenic species was identified in one serum sample.
• A high percentage of workers reported rodent presence (77%) and consistent PPE use (94%).

Conclusions:

• The study suggests that robust use of PPE and hygiene practices effectively prevents pathogenic Leptospira infection among sanitation workers.
• Despite occupational exposure risks, current preventive measures appear adequate in mitigating disease transmission in this cohort.
• Further research could explore the role of non-pathogenic Leptospira in occupational settings.