Pathogenic Leptospira contamination in the environment: a systematic review
Yulia Sayanthi1,2, Dewi Susanna3
1Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia.
Infection Ecology & Epidemiology
|March 21, 2024
Summary
Pathogenic Leptospira contaminates water in urban areas and soil in rural areas. Understanding its survival in water and soil is crucial for preventing human leptospirosis transmission.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Public health
Background:
- Pathogenic Leptospira resides in animal renal tubules and is excreted in urine, contaminating the environment.
- Detecting pathogenic Leptospira in environmental samples is essential for public health.
- Understanding Leptospira survival in water and soil aids in assessing transmission risks to humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in water and soil.
- To identify pathogenic Leptospira species harmful to humans.
- To assess the survival capabilities of pathogenic Leptospira in environmental matrices.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review methodology employed.
- Searched four major databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and ProQuest.
- Analyzed 38 articles published between 2000 and July 2021.
Main Results:
- Higher pathogenic Leptospira contamination found in urban water samples and rural soil samples.
- Identified species include L. alstonii, L. kmetyi, L. noguchii, and L. interrogans.
- Pathogenic Leptospira survives in water (4-30°C, pH < 7) and soil (humidity < 20%, pH < 6).
Conclusions:
- Both urban and rural areas pose risks for leptospirosis transmission.
- Environmental conditions significantly influence pathogenic Leptospira survival and distribution.
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