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Leptospirosis in the Philippines
Abstract:
Leptospirosis was first isolated in the Philippines from one of the human cases of Weil's Disease in 1932 and from then up to 1970 a total of 65 cases were studied sporadically. From 1971 up to 1973 a total of 390 cases were studied out of which 82 (21.02%) were found positive by isolation and serological examination. An outbreak of leptospirosis was followed up from 1976 to 1983 in a penal farm in Sablayan, Mindoro. At the time of the outbreak, 31% of the sera from patients and those with complaints reacted to one or more antigen pools with 40% of these reactors reacting to only one antigen pool. Only one percent of prisoners and residents without complaints reacted to one or more antigen pools, with 80% of these reactors reacting to pool 3 alone. Three and half years later, a first follow-up was done in which 9.07% reacted to one or more pools. Of these, 42% reacted to pool 2 and 82% to pool 3 alone or in combination with other pool. Ninety five percent of those reacting to Pool 2 reacted to L. pyrogenes and 88% of those that reacted to Pool 3 reacted to L. autumnalis. More than three years later after the first follow-up, a second follow up was done. This time 2.29% reacted to one or more pools. Most reacted specifically to L. autumnalis. The residents outside the penal farm were all non-reactive. Sampling from another penal colony and in four agricultural areas revealed no significant reactivity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Insights
Leptospirosis seroprevalence in a Philippine penal farm decreased significantly over time, from 31% during an outbreak to 2.29% in a second follow-up, indicating effective control measures. This study tracked Leptospira infections in a high-risk population.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease, has been documented in the Philippines since 1932.
- Sporadic cases and outbreaks have been recorded, necessitating ongoing surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in a penal farm population in Sablayan, Mindoro.
- To monitor changes in Leptospira antibody reactivity over time following an outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Serological examination using antigen pools to detect Leptospira antibodies.
- Follow-up studies conducted at intervals over several years to assess seroreactivity trends.
- Comparison of reactivity between symptomatic individuals, asymptomatic residents, and external populations.
Main Results:
- During an outbreak, 31% of symptomatic individuals reacted to antigen pools, with a decrease to 9.07% in the first follow-up and 2.29% in the second.
- Leptospira interrogans serovar pyrogenes and Leptospira interrogans serovar autumnalis were identified as significant serovars.
- Residents outside the penal farm and other sampled areas showed no significant reactivity, suggesting localized transmission.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal monitoring revealed a declining trend in leptospirosis seroreactivity within the penal farm.
- The findings suggest that interventions implemented may have been effective in controlling the spread of leptospirosis.
- Targeted surveillance in high-risk environments like penal colonies is crucial for managing infectious diseases.