Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in a Mexican military population working with animals

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and a challenge to global public health. There is an occupational risk, particularly in populations with direct contact with animals and in high-humidity environments, which favors the survival of leptospires. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in military personnel working in close contact with animals in México and to describe the available preventive measures and protection levels.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to October 2015. Information regarding protective factors in daily activities was gathered through a self-evaluation questionnaire. The serum samples of participants were analyzed through enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) and microscopic agglutination test.

Serums were obtained from 65 active military personnel, 56 males (86.2%) and 9 females (13.8%). Out of the total, 54 (83.1%) tested positive for infection by leptospirosis, 49 were males (87.5%) and 5 were females (55.6%). The highest seroprevalence age group was in the ≥45 years group (15, 23.07%), where all tested positive. Regarding military ranks, 100% of the highest hierarchy turned out positive: Officers (4 out of 4) and Chiefs (14 out of 14); and troops resulted in a seroprevalence of 76.5%. Protection equipment available during daily chores included: Overall, 64.6% had gloves and 53.8% had boots; the reported frequency for the use of gloves was 35.3% (46/65) if worn during more than half of the workday, yet 29.2% (19/65) reported never wearing them.

This study makes the petition to implement protocols of continuous training regarding labor risks and having an epidemiologic surveillance program for exposed personnel indispensable to improve the health and sanitary conditions of military personnel who work in direct contact with animals.