[Leptospirosis: A growing health threat to fish farming and recreational activities]. / La leptospirose : une menace sanitaire croissante pour les activités piscicoles et récréatives.

Leptospirosis is a cosmopolitan infectious disease caused by the bacteria Leptospirainterrogans, which is worldwide increasing as the result of climate changes favoring the reproduction of asymptomatic reservoir rodents and also flooding that brings mammals and humans into contact with contaminated water. This disease affects many mammals among wild, domestic or farmed animals. In humans, it is manifested through frustrated to severe forms that can lead to liver and kidney failure and death in about one in ten severe cases. Diagnostic methods and treatments are satisfactory. Prophylaxis is based on individual protective measures including vaccination. The single human vaccine that is available is expensive and it protects 97% against about a third of human pathogenic serovars. Moreover, this vaccine is not covered by health insurance. Better epidemiological knowledge, particularly at European level, could stimulate research in this area in order to obtain a vaccine that would protect more comprehensively against serovars pathogenic to humans.

Seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies among market workers and food handlers in the central state of Malaysia.

OBJECTIVE: The high prevalence of leptospirosis in humans is of great public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and distribution of serovars, and to assess the usefulness of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as a screening method for leptospiral antibodies in a high-risk healthy community. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 231 market workers and food handlers in wet markets and food premises from two localities in central Malaysia. Respondents' background information was obtained using a questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for leptospiral antibodies using ELISA and microscopic agglutination test (MAT). RESULTS: Seroprevalence of leptospirosis among healthy workers was 46.3%. Detection of seropositivity was higher by MAT (46%) than ELISA (15%). We observed high seropositivity among local workers (49%), food handlers (49.5%), females (60.8%) and those aged 34 years and older (46.3%). Local strain LEP175 was the predominant serovar, followed by WHO strain Patoc. CONCLUSION: Overall seroprevalence among healthy food handlers and market workers was high in this study. The workplace places susceptible individuals at risk of leptospirosis.

Epidemiological and clinical features of leptospirosis in a highly endemic area over three time periods.

OBJECTIVES: To present the features of human leptospirosis over three time periods (1970-1975; 2000-2005; 2010-2015), to compare the collected data and to determine whether the incidence, seasonal and spatial distribution, prevalence of presumptive infective serogroups and clinical features have changed over the last 50 years. METHODS: Epidemiological and clinical data obtained from patients hospitalised and treated in a well-known endemic focus of leptospirosis, Koprivnica-Krizevci County in Croatia, were analysed. RESULTS: We observed a steady decline in the overall incidence of leptospirosis and a change in the patient age distribution, with the age ratio changing in favour of middle-aged and older patients. Although leptospirosis was most frequently diagnosed in August in all time periods, the number of cases increased in autumn. The most prevalent serogroup during the first and the second time period was Icterohaemorrhagiae, while in the third time period, the serogroup Australis prevailed. We also noted an increase in the number of severe clinical manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective research demonstrates a continuous decline in the incidence of human leptospirosis in Croatia. The pattern of disease has changed from predominantly mild clinical forms observed in children to more severe clinical forms observed in middle-aged to older patients, especially those working in agriculture. Additional epidemiological changes included an increase in the number of cases during the autumn months and changes in prevailing serogroups. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the severity of the clinical picture, patient age and presumed sources of infection.

The other great imitator among infectious diseases: Leptospirosis.

INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis responsible for highly diverse clinical presentations with a wide range of severity. Variable environment exposures to infected urines of rodents have been described. OBSERVATION: We report five cases of serologically confirmed leptospirosis leading to hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a French center. These patients displayed neurological, respiratory, and abdominal presentation of leptospirosis with variable level of severity. Either professional, leisure related, or daily living exposures have been retrieved. CONCLUSION: These cases underline the diversity of clinical presentation and environmental exposure of this infectious disease. They highlight the interest of an exhaustive anamnesis with collection of professional activity, environmental exposures, and leisure activities.

[Kidney injury in children and adolescents with leptospirosis in France]. / Atteinte rénale chez les enfants infectés par la leptospirose en France.

INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis is an anthropozoonosis with polymorphic clinical symptoms and a high variability of severity, ranging from flu-like syndrome to severe acute kidney injury. This disease is highly incident in tropical regions but there is a trend towards increasing incidence in metropolitan France and in Reunion Island. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic characteristics of the pediatric leptospirosis in metropolitan France and in Reunion Island. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of leptospirosis cases hospitalized in University hospitals where members of the Paediatric Nephrology Society work in France between January 2008 and December 2020, 6 centers reported leptospirosis cases, one center had one patient in consultation but lack of available data and 10 centers did not find any case. RESULTS: A total of 21 cases were reported (mean age 13.4±3.4years), mostly boys (ratio 6:1). Out of 21 patients, 95% had fever, 71% were presenting with myalgia, 81% with thrombocytopenia, and 76% with gastrointestinal symptoms. Regarding kidney impairment, 18 patients (86%) had acute kidney injury, including 4 (19%) with oligoanuria, but none of them required acute dialysis. About 30% of patients had biological signs of tubulopathy including hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, or tubular proteinuria. No death due to the disease occurred. The therapeutic management followed the current guidelines with the use of antibiotic therapy by amoxicillin or 3rd generation cephalosporins with symptomatic treatment. When there was biological control after exit, creatinine decreased. DISCUSSION: In this multicenter retrospective study, we report 21 children with leptospirosis with a significant proportion of acute kidney injury, the outcome was favorable. Children do not seem to be at high risk of chronic kidney disease progression but nephrology follow-up has not been systematically carried out. Compared to studies performed in adults, the prognosis was better and hepatic impairment was rare. Compared to other pediatric studies, conjunctivitis was not a common symptom but kidney injury and survival appeared to be similar. Children were presenting with anicteric renal presentation. The casebook wasn't exhaustive and didn't include the other overseas territories, which account for the highest proportion of leptospirosis infection. CONCLUSION: Leptospirosis is an infection which may lead to multivisceral failure with kidney involvement conditioning the outcome. Despite a better prognosis in children, it remains important to quickly diagnose this infection in order to start appropriate antibiotic therapy and perform a kidney function monitoring.

Identifying factors associated with treatment delay in leptospirosis: A retrospective study of patients admitted to hospital in Reunion (Indian Ocean) between 2014 and 2015.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a life-threatening zoonotic disease for which delayed treatment onset has been associated to poor prognosis. The purpose of the study was to identify the determinants of therapeutic delay in hospitalized leptospirosis cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective multicenter study in the 4 public hospitals of Reunion Island, South Western Indian Ocean. Medical records of confirmed leptospirosis cases occurring in 2014-2015 were reviewed for socio-economic, demographic, geographic and medical data. The primary outcome measure was the therapeutic delay, defined as the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and initiation of antibiotics. RESULTS: Of the 117 patients included, 107 were men, with an average age of 44.9±15years. The median therapeutic delay was 4 days (interquartile: 2-5 days) and this delay was not found to be associated with severity. The following were found to be at increased risk of having a longer therapeutic delay: cases occurring outside the epidemic period, or rainy season (OR 2.8 [1.08-7.3], P=0.04) and cases with first medical evaluation in primary health care (OR 4.63 [1.43-14.93]; P=0.01) instead of emergency unit. No socio-economic or geographic characteristics were found to be linked to a longer therapeutic delay. CONCLUSION: Although delayed treatment was not associated to disease severity, our results indicate that leptospirosis awareness is needed all year in the subtropical area of Reunion Island and particularly in primary care.

[Update on leptospirosis]. / Mise au point sur la leptospirose.

Leptospirosis is a worldwide spirochetal zoonosis whose global incidence is increasing and is probably underestimated. Leptospirosis has long been associated with occupational contact with animals (rats and cattle) and has become in developed countries a pathology more related to recreational activities with exposure to fresh water (canoeing, swimming, canyoning) and to an environment contaminated by urine from leptospires excretory rodents. Leptospirosis should be one of the differential diagnoses to be considered when returning from travel to tropical areas, particularly Southeast Asia, and particularly during the rainy season. The clinical symptoms, particularly in the initial phase, are not specific and can limit to a flu-like syndrome or "dengue-like" making diagnosis often difficult. It is then necessary to look carefully for clinical (muscle pain, cough, conjunctival involvement, jaundice) and biological arguments (thrombocytopenia, cholestasis, rhabdomyolysis, frank elevation of CRP) that will help to diagnose leptospirosis and lead to quick antibiotic therapy before the progression to a severe icterohaemorrhagic (Weil's disease) or respiratory form associated with significant mortality. Treatment is based on injectable beta-lactams in severe forms (mainly cephalosporins) and amoxicillin, doxycycline or azithromycin in non-severe forms. Some atypical or delayed forms of leptospirosis occurring in the late immune phase of the disease are to know. Rapid diagnostic tools are currently being studied to improve diagnosis in remote areas and facilitate access to early treatment.

[CME: Zoonosis in Switzerland: Leptospirosis]. / CME: Zoonosen in der Schweiz: Leptospirose CME-Fragen.

CME: Zoonosis in Switzerland: Leptospirosis Abstract. Leptospirosis is worldwide a common zoonosis that also occurs in Switzerland. Frequently it presents as a self-limited, mild illness. The more severe presentation with jaundice and sever acute kidney injury (Weil's disease) is, however, associated with a high morbidity and mortality. In order to make the diagnosis, it is important to recognize the typical findings and perform the appropriate diagnostic workup. In this article, we discuss the clinical signs, diagnostic workup, therapy and prevention of leptospirosis and present the case of a 54-year-old patient with severe leptospirosis.

Prevalence of human leptospirosis in the Americas: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Prevalência da leptospirose humana nas Américas: revisão sistemática e metanálise

Objetivo. Descrever a prevalência da leptospirose nas Américas. Métodos. Uma revisão sistemática e metanálise referente ao período de 1930 a 2017, realizada por meio de busca em seis plataformas: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase e Cochrane. Resultados. A pesquisa encontrou 77 publicações, das quais 53 (68%) eram do período de 2000 a 2017. Dos 77 estudos, 62 foram incluídos na análise, da América do Norte (11, equivalente a 17%), América Central (9, equivalente a 14%) e América do Sul (42, equivalente a 67%), e 22 estudos foram realizados em áreas urbanas. A prevalência da leptospirose nos 62 estudos analisados correspondeu a 28% (IC 95% [23, 32]). Os países com maior prevalência foram os Estados Unidos da América (41%), a Colômbia (29%) e o Brasil (21%). Os sorovares mais frequentes encontrados foram Icterohaemorrhagiae (43 de 77 publicações, equivalente a 55%), Canicola (35, equivalente a 45%), Pomona (28, equivalente a 36%) e Grippotyphosa (26, equivalente a 33%). Conclusões. Há variabilidade nas espécies e sorovares de Leptospira, que têm distribuição heterogênea nas Américas e alta prevalência em alguns países, o que destaca a necessidade de ações para controlar a doença.

Fatores socioeconômicos associados à leptospirose no estadodo Acre, Amazônia ocidental brasileira (2007-2020) / Socioeconomic factors associated with leptospirosis in the stateof Acre, western Brazilian Amazon (2007-2020)

Introdução: doença provocada por infecção de origem bacteriana, a leptospirose é um dos agravos mais negligenciados no Brasil, estando associada a características socioeconômicas. Objetivo: analisar possíveis associações entre taxas de incidência da doença e fatores socioeconômicos no estado do Acre, a partir de análises espaciais. Material e Método: estudo ecológico com uso de dados secundários, sendo feita análise de autocorrelação espacial pelo Índice de Moran Local Bivariado, entre variáveis socioeconômicas e taxa média de incidência de leptospirose de todo o período de estudo. Adicionalmente, a análise espaçotemporal foi desenvolvida por meio de varredura cilíndrica estatística de Kulldorff, com raio de 70 quilômetros e distribuição de probabilidade de Poisson. Resultados: a maior quantidade de casos foi observada em homens, pardos e na faixa etária de 20 a 39 anos, em ambiente domiciliar e em pessoas com ensino fundamental 1 e 2 incompletos. Conclusão: a partir das análises estatísticas espaciais, destacaram-se municípios das partes norte e sul do estado. Ressalta-se que há possibilidade de subnotificação de casos, o que poderia ser analisado a partir de estudos que coletem dados primários.

Introduction: disease caused by infection of bacterial origin, leptospirosis is one of the most neglected diseases in Brazil, being associated with socioeconomic characteristics. Objective: to analyze possible associations between disease rates and socioeconomic factors in the state of Acre, based on spatial analysis. Material and Method: ecological study using secondary data, with analysis of spatial autocorrelation by the Moran Local Bivariate Index, between socioeconomic variables and mean rate of leptospirosis throughout the study period. Additionally, the space-time analysis was performed using Kulldorff statistical cylindrical sweep, with a radius of 70 kilometers and Poisson probability distribution. Results: the highest number of cases was observed in men, brown and in the age group of 20 to 39 years old, in the home environment and in people with incomplete elementary school 1 and 2. Conclusion: from the spatial statistical analyses, municipalities in the northern and southern parts of the state stood out. It should be noted that there is a possibility of underreporting of cases, which could be analyzed based on studies that collect primary data.

Prevalence of human leptospirosis in the Americas: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Prevalencia de la leptospirosis humana en las Américas: revisión sistemática y metanálisis / Prevalência da leptospirose humana nas Américas: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Objective. To describe the prevalence of leptospirosis in the Americas. Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis, in the period 1930 to 2017, performed on a search of six platforms: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase, and Cochrane. Results. The search found 77 publications of which 53 (68%) were from the period 2000-2017. Of the 77, 62 studies were included in the analysis, from North America (11, 17%), Central America (9, 14%), and South America (42, 67%), and 22 studies were from urban areas. Leptospirosis prevalence in the 62 studies analyzed corresponded to 28% (95% CI [23, 32]). Countries with higher prevalence were United States of America (41%), Colombia (29%), and Brazil (21%). The most frequent serovars found were Icterohaemorrhagiae (43 of 77 publications, 55%), Canicola (35, 45%), Pomona (28, 36%), and Grippotyphosa (26, 33%). Conclusions. There is variability of Leptospira species and serovars with heterogenous distribution throughout the Americas, with high prevalence in some countries, highlighting the need for action to control the disease.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Describir la prevalencia de la leptospirosis en las Américas. Métodos. Revisión sistemática y metanálisis correspondientes al período 1930-2017, mediante una búsqueda en seis plataformas: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase y Cochrane. Resultados. En la búsqueda se encontraron 77 publicaciones, de las que 53 (68%) eran del periodo 2000-2017. En el análisis se incluyeron 62 de los 77 estudios, correspondientes a América del Norte (11, 17%), Centroamérica (9, 14%) y América del Sur (42, 67%), y 22 estudios correspondientes a zonas urbanas. La prevalencia de la leptospirosis en los 62 estudios analizados fue del 28% (IC del 95% [23, 32]). Los países con mayor prevalencia fueron Estados Unidos de América (41%), Colombia (29%) y Brasil (21%). Las serovariedades más frecuentes fueron icterohaemorrhagiae (43 de 77 publicaciones, 55%), canicola (35, 45%), pomona (28, 36%) y grippotyphosa (26, 33%). Conclusiones. Se observa variabilidad de especies y serovariedades de Leptospira, con una distribución heterogénea en las Américas y una elevada prevalencia en algunos países, lo que pone de manifiesto la necesidad de adoptar medidas para controlar la enfermedad.

RESUMO Objetivo. Descrever a prevalência da leptospirose nas Américas. Métodos. Uma revisão sistemática e metanálise referente ao período de 1930 a 2017, realizada por meio de busca em seis plataformas: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs, Embase e Cochrane. Resultados. A pesquisa encontrou 77 publicações, das quais 53 (68%) eram do período de 2000 a 2017. Dos 77 estudos, 62 foram incluídos na análise, da América do Norte (11, equivalente a 17%), América Central (9, equivalente a 14%) e América do Sul (42, equivalente a 67%), e 22 estudos foram realizados em áreas urbanas. A prevalência da leptospirose nos 62 estudos analisados correspondeu a 28% (IC 95% [23, 32]). Os países com maior prevalência foram os Estados Unidos da América (41%), a Colômbia (29%) e o Brasil (21%). Os sorovares mais frequentes encontrados foram Icterohaemorrhagiae (43 de 77 publicações, equivalente a 55%), Canicola (35, equivalente a 45%), Pomona (28, equivalente a 36%) e Grippotyphosa (26, equivalente a 33%). Conclusões. Há variabilidade nas espécies e sorovares de Leptospira, que têm distribuição heterogênea nas Américas e alta prevalência em alguns países, o que destaca a necessidade de ações para controlar a doença.

Leptospirose em uma cidade do sul do Brasil / Leptospirosis in a municipality of southern Brazil

Introdução: Leptospirose é uma zoonose transmitida principalmente por roedores e está relacionada com a situação socioambiental de uma população. A transmissão ocorre especialmente pela eliminação de urina do roedor, por exemplo, nas enchentes que aumentam o risco de contaminação. O artigo analisa a presença de leptospirose na cidade de Pelotas/RS, visando identificar fatores de risco para realizar de forma mais adequada o diagnóstico precoce e evitar possíveis consequências da doença. Objetivos: O estudo tem por objetivo analisar o perfil das pessoas que contraíram leptospirose e seu desfecho no município de Pelotas/RS no período de 2007 a 2017. Métodos: Estudo transversal em que foram analisados dados de prevalência de Leptospirose em Pelotas/RS, comparando zona de residência, sexo, raça, escolaridade, faixa etária e evolução da doença. Resultados: Foi possível observar que a prevalência da doença foi maior em indivíduos com baixa escolaridade, do sexo masculino, brancos e residentes de zona urbana. Metade dos casos evoluiu para a cura, e 2,34% evoluíram para óbito devido ao agravo da doença. Contudo, 53,9% não tiveram a evolução notificada, tendo seus resultados registrados como em branco/ignorado. Conclusão: A leptospirose é uma patologia potencialmente fatal, e ainda subdiagnosticada, e consequentemente subnotificada, tendo grande prevalência em locais com as características de Pelotas/RS. É de fundamental importância que haja uma reestruturação do registro da notificação compulsória com uma abrangência maior sobre dados epidemiológicos para haver um melhor planejamento de meios de prevenção, alcançando uma redução da incidência e melhorando o desfecho desses pacientes.

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis transmitted mainly by rodents and is related with the socioenvironmental conditions of a population. Transmission occurs especially through rodents' urine, for example, risk for contamination increases in floods. The article analyzes the presence of leptospirosis in the municipality of Pelotas, Brazil, in order to identify risk factors so as to perform a more appropriate early diagnosis and to prevent possible disease consequences. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the profile of people who contracted leptospirosis and its outcome in the municipality of Pelotas, Brazil, from 2007 to 2017. Methods: Cross-sectional study that analyzed data on the prevalence of leptospirosis in Pelotas, Brazil, comparing area of residence, sex, race, schooling, age, and disease outcome. Results: It was observed that the prevalence of the disease was higher in individuals with little education, male, white, and living in the urban area. Half of the cases evolved to cure, and 2.34% evolved to death due to disease worsening. However, 53.9% of the cases did not have their outcome informed, being reported as blank/unknown. Conclusion: Leptospirosis a potentially lethal disease and is still underdiagnosed, and consequently underreported, being highly prevalent in place with the characteristics of Pelotas, Brazil. It is extremely importance to promote a restructuring in disease notification reporting, with a greater coverage on epidemiological data, in order to improve the planning of prevention strategies, achieving a reduction in disease incidence and improving patient outcomes.

Índice de salubridade ambiental e a ocorrência da leptospirose: um estudo em bairros populares de Salvador - Bahia. / Environmental health index and the occurrence of leptospirosis: a study in popular neighborhoods of Salvador - Bahia

A leptospirose, doença que é endêmica no Brasil, e de alta letalidade, tem relação e a salubridade ambiental dos territórios, impactando principalmente as populações em estado e vulnerabilidade socioeconômica. O presente trabalho objetivou investigar os gradientes de salubridade ambiental em bairros populares de Salvador-Bahia e sua influência na infecção pela Leptospira. A investigação envolveu a coleta de dados primários e secundários sobre a salubridade ambiental e a ocorrência de indivíduos com anticorpos contra a Leptospira. Elaborou-se um Índice de Salubridade Ambiental (ISA) para as áreas de estudo, fez-se o georreferenciamento das informações e análises estatísticas dos dados. Os resultados mostraram que quinze das vinte e três microáreas de estudo possuíam condição de salubridade insatisfatória e as análises estatísticas e espaciais indicaram relações entre baixas pontuações do ISA e maiores concentrações de indivíduos com anticorpos contra a Leptospira. Concluiu-se que a prevenção e controle da enfermidade deve envolver ações integradas e integrais de saneamento básico no território, superando a abordagem médico-assistencial.

Daños renales en fetos de ratas Wistar infectadas con Leptospira canicola

RESUMEN Introducción: La leptospirosis es una de las zoonosis que en Cuba se presenta de forma endémica, es causante de pérdidas humanas, animales y económicas, por lo que es un problema de salud. Las ratas constituyen un vector transmisor de gran importancia. Trabajos experimentales para estudiar las alteraciones renales fetales en modelo de rata Wistar no se han realizado en Cuba. Objetivo: Identificar las principales alteraciones morfométricas renales en fetos de ratas Wistar infectadas con serovariedad Leptospira canicola, en la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Rio en el período comprendido entre 2017-2019. Método: Se realizó un estudio experimental en ratas Wistar preñadas: 2 grupos con tres animales cada uno: el grupo experimental con dosis de una concentración bacteriana de 300 millones de leptospiras por mililitros; se inoculó 1 ml a cada una infectándolas con cepas de Leptospira canicola. Se estudiaron los riñones de fetos extraídos por cesárea y se analizaron las variables: longitud renal y peso del riñón. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos confirmaron los daños renales producidos por la Leptospira canicola tanto en el eje mayor como el menor de ambos riñones, así como variaciones en el peso de las crías infectadas. Conclusiones: La infección por Leptospira canicola en ratas Wistar preñadas provoca alteraciones en los riñones de los fetos lo que causa cambios en la morfometría de los ejes tanto mayor como menor, así como en el peso corporal del feto, lo que conlleva a una disminución del peso renal.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Leptospirosis is one of the endemic zoonoses in Cuba, causing human, animal and economic losses, making it a significant health problem. Rats are a very remarkable vector. Experimental work to study fetal renal alterations in the Wistar rats has not been carried out in Cuba. Objective: To identify the main renal morphometric alterations in fetuses of Wistar rats infected with serovar Leptospira canicola, at the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Rio in the period between 2017-2019. Method: An experimental study was carried out in pregnant Wistar rats: 2 groups with three animals each: the experimental group with a dose of bacterial concentration of 300 million leptospires per milliliter; 1 ml was inoculated to each one, infecting them with strains of Leptospira canicola. The kidneys of fetuses extracted by cesarean section were studied, and the variables: renal length and kidney weight were analyzed. Results: The results obtained confirmed kidney damage caused by Leptospira canicola both in the major and minor axis of both kidneys, as well as variations in the weight of the infected pups. Conclusions: Leptospiral infection in pregnant Wistar rats causes alterations in the kidneys of the fetuses, bringing changes in the morphometry of both the major and minor axes, as well as in the body weight of the fetus, which leads to a decrease in renal weight.

RESUMO Introdução: A leptospirose é uma das zoonoses endêmicas em Cuba, causando prejuízos humanos, animais e econômicos, tornando-se um problema de saúde. Os ratos são um vetor transmissor muito importante. Trabalho experimental para estudar as alterações renais fetais no modelo de rato Wistar não foi realizado em Cuba. Objetivo: Identificar as principais alterações morfométricas renais em fetos de ratos Wistar infectados com sorovar Leptospira canicola, na Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Rio no período entre 2017-2019. Método: Estudo experimental realizado em ratas Wistar prenhes: 2 grupos com três animais cada: o grupo experimental com dose de concentração bacteriana de 300 milhões de leptospiras por mililitro; 1 ml fora inoculado em cada um, infectando-os com cepas de Leptospira canicola. Foram estudados os rins de fetos extraídos por cesariana e analisadas as variáveis: comprimento renal e peso renal. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos confirmaram o dano renal causado por Leptospira canicola tanto no eixo maior quanto no eixo menor de ambos os rins, bem como variações no peso dos filhotes infectados. Conclusões: A infecção por Leptospira canicola em ratas Wistar prenhes causa alterações nos rins dos fetos, o que provoca alterações na morfometria dos eixos maior e menor, bem como no peso corporal do feto, o que leva a uma diminuição da peso do rim.

[Leptospirosis]. / Leptospirose.

Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is the first worldwide anthropozoonosis with an incidence of 1 000 000 cases per year. It is more frequently encountered in tropical areas but also can be diagnosed in tempered places. In France, the most exposed people are athletes in fresh water (canoeing, rafting, caving...) and agricultural workers. The peak incidence occurs in late summer. After transcutaneous or mucosal penetration, Leptospira can cause direct tissue injury by invasion, or indirect injury by toxinic and/or immunological mechanism. Also called summer flu, the clinical presentation is variable: it ranges from simple flu-like illness to septic shock with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, with varying degrees of fever, headache or myalgia. Conjunctival suffusion is also very evocative. Biology can show thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, cholestasis, elevated liver enzymes, renal failure, hematuria and proteinuria. Mortality occurs very rarely if organ failures (renal failure, pulmonary edema lesions ...) are undertaken by adequate therapy. The diagnosis is usually based on serology (micro-agglutination test), repeated 15 days after the first test. A first negative serology is not sufficient to rule out the diagnosis. PCR detection is also available and can facilitate the diagnosis of leptospirosis. A vaccine is available but it only protects against serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae. It is recommended for professional expositions, but there is no consensus for leisure activities.

Leptospirose. La leptospirose est la première anthropozoonose de répartition mondiale, avec une incidence estimée à 1 million de cas par an. Elle est cependant plus fréquente dans les pays tropicaux. En France métropolitaine, les personnes les plus exposées sont les sportifs en eau douce (canoë- kayak, rafting, spéléologie…) et les travailleurs agricoles. Le pic d'incidence a lieu à la fin de l'été. Après pénétration cutanée ou muqueuse, les leptospires peuvent entraîner des lésions directes par envahissement tissulaire et indirectes par mécanisme toxinique et/ou immunologique. Le tableau clinique de la leptospirose, aussi appelée « grippe d'été ¼, est protéiforme : il va du simple syndrome grippal au sepsis sévère avec défaillance multiviscérale, avec à des degrés divers de la fièvre, des céphalées, des myalgies et une suffusion conjonctivale très évocatrice. La biologie peut montrer une thrombopénie, une lymphopénie, une cholestase, une cytolyse hépatique, une insuffisance rénale, une hématurie et une protéinurie. La mortalité est en règle quasi nulle si les éventuelles défaillances d'organes (insuffisance rénale, oedème pulmonaire lésionnel…) sont suppléées par une réanimation adéquate. Habituellement, le diagnostic repose sur la sérologie (test de micro-agglutination) répétée à 15 jours d'intervalle. Une première sérologie négative ne suffit pas à écarter le diagnostic. La recherche par polymerase chain reaction (PCR) facilite aujourd'hui le diagnostic de la leptospirose. Un vaccin est disponible mais ne protège que contre le sérogroupe Icterohaemorrhagiae. Il est recommandé pour les professionnels exposés, mais il n'y a pas de consensus concernant son utilisation lors des activités de loisirs.

Leptospirose: Características da enfermidade em humanos e principais técnicas de diagnóstico laboratorial / Leptospirosis: Characteristics of the human disease and main laboratory diagnostic techniques

A leptospirose é a zoonose de maior distribuição geográfica, com estimativa de cerca de 60.000 mortes por ano. A doença é causada por bactérias do gênero Leptospira, que possui mais de 300 diferentes sorovares e 64 espécies já identificadas, sendo o ambiente a principal fonte de contaminação. A doença em humanos apresenta manifestações clínicas variadas e caráter bifásico, devendo ser confirmada por meio do diagnóstico laboratorial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi reunir conceitos atualizados sobre a leptospirose humana e as principais técnicas de diagnóstico laboratorial empregadas. A MAT é considerada o padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico da leptospirose, mas devido à baixa sensibilidade na fase inicial da doença é necessário o emprego de técnicas mais sensíveis neste período. Baseado em diversos estudos, as metodologias de PCR, ELISA-IgM e teste rápido apresentaram sensibilidade satisfatória nos primeiros dias após o início dos sintomas. Na segunda semana, a MAT apresentou 100% de sensibilidade, mantendo sua alta especificidade em ambas as fases. No geral, os testes sorológicos de ELISA-IgM e teste rápido apresentaram resultados satisfatórios como métodos de diagnóstico precoce, principalmente tratando-se de locais com pouca infraestrutura, diferente dos laboratórios de referência onde é possível empregar as técnicas de PCR e MAT.

Leptospirosis is the most widespread zoonosis, which has a balance of almost 60,000 deaths per year. Bacteria of Leptospira genus, which has more than 300 different serovars and 64 species already identified, cause the disease, being the environment the main source of contamination. The human disease presents a large set of clinical manifestations, showing biphasic presentation, the reason why leptospirosis must be confirmed by laboratory diagnosis. This study aimed to group recent concepts concerning human leptospirosis and the main diagnosis techniques employed at the laboratory. MAT is considered the gold standard for leptospirosis diagnosis, but has low sensitivity on the onset of disease, leading to the use of techniques with higher sensitivity on this period. Based on several studies, PCR, ELISA-IgM and rapid test presented satisfactory sensitivity on the onset of symptoms. In the second week, MAT showed 100% of sensitivity, maintaining its high specificity in both phases. In general, the ELISA-IgM and rapid serological tests showed satisfactory results as methods for early diagnosis, especially in the case of places with poor infrastructure, different from the reference laboratories where it is possible to use the PCR and MAT techniques.

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.

Antibody prevalence of Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in domestic cats from Araguaína, Tocantins, North Region of Brazil / Prevalência de anticorpos para Leptospira spp. e Brucella Abortus em gatos domésticos de Araguaína, Tocantins, Região Norte do Brasil

Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus are bacterial pathogens that can infect humans and animals. The present study aimed to detect anti-Leptospira and anti-B. abortus antibodies and verified the presence of factors associated with seropositivity in cats. One hundred and eighty serum samples were collected from domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) from the urban area of the municipality of Araguaína-Tocantins by phlebocentesis of the cephalic and jugular veins. The samples were subjected to detection of anti-Leptospira and anti-B.abortus antibodies, respectively, by microscopic seroagglutination and buffered acidified antigen testing, followed by confirmation by the 2-mercaptoethanol test and slow seroagglutination in tubes. Data from the epidemiological questionnaire (the age, sex, origin, breed, and presence of clinical signs) were analyzed using Epi Info® software with seropositivity data found to search for associated factors using the chi-square test. In the present study, the prevalence of Leptospira spp. was 5.56% (10/180). However, no sample was reactive to B. abortus. None of the studied variables were associated with seropositivity for the pathogens evaluated. Therefore, there is contact between Leptospira spp. and the feline population of the municipality, indicating the possibility of the circulation of pathogenic serovars and that the presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies does not depend on the variables analyzed.

Leptospira spp. e Brucella abortus são patógenos bacterianos que podem infectar humanos e animais. O presente estudo teve como objetivo detectar anticorpos anti-Leptospira e anti-B.abortus e verificar a presença de fatores associados com a soropositividade em gatos. Foram coletadas 180 amostras de soro de gatos domésticos (Felis silvestris catus) da zona urbana do município de Araguaína-Tocantins por flebocentese das veias cefálica e jugular. As amostras foram submetidas à detecção de anticorpos anti-Leptospira e anti-B. abortus, respectivamente, por soroaglutinação microscópica e teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado, seguido de confirmação pelo teste de 2-mercaptoetanol e soroaglutinação lenta em tubos. Os dados do questionário epidemiológico (idade, sexo, procedência, raça e presença de sinais clínicos) foram analisados no software Epi Info® com os dados de soropositividade encontrados para pesquisa de fatores associados pelo teste do qui-quadrado. No presente estudo, a prevalência de Leptospira spp. foi de 5,56% (10/180). No entanto, nenhuma amostra foi reativa para B. abortus. Nenhuma das variáveis estudadas foi associada com a soropositividade para os patógenos avaliados. Portanto, há contato entre Leptospiraspp. e a população felina do município, indicando a possibilidade de circulação de sorovares patogênicos e que a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira independe das variáveis analisadas.

Hematúria macroscópica em equinos associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans / Macroscopic haematuria in horses associated with Leptospira interrogans infection

Hematúria é uma grave manifestação clínica de doença do sistema urinário, ocorrendo sob as formas micro ou macroscópica. Neste artigo relatam-se dois casos de hematúria macroscópica associada à infecção por Leptospira interrogans sorogrupo Canicola. O exame clínico inicial revelou hematúria macroscópica, taquicardia, taquipneia, febre, elevação do tempo de perfusão capilar, hipomotilidade intestinal, além de icterícia da mucosa oral. Leucocitose, proteinúria, glicosúria, piúria e azotemia foram achados comuns aos dois casos. Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica foi realizado para titulação de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans. Tratamento incluiu medidas terapêuticas de suporte (fluidoterapia), controle da hematúria e antibioticoterapia. Sete dias após manifestação dos sinais clínicos iniciais, ambos animais receberam alta hospitalar após remissão dos sinais clínicos.

Haematuria is a serious clinical manifestation of urinary system disease, occurring in micro or macroscopic forms. In this article two cases of macroscopic haematuria associated with Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicolainfection are related. The initial clinical examination revealed macroscopic haematuria, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, increased capillary perfusion time, intestinal hypomotility, in addition to jaundice of the oral mucosa. Leukocytosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, pyuria and azotemia were common findings in both cases. Microscopic serum agglutination test was performed for titration of antibodies against Leptospira interrogans. Treatment included supportive therapeutic measures (fluid therapy), hematuria control and antibiotic therapy. Seven days after the manifestation of the initial clinical signs, both animals were discharged from the hospital without complications.

Occurrence of Leptospira spp. and factors associated with the infection in horses from a military contingent in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil / Ocorrência de Leptospira spp. e fatores associados à infecção em equinos de contingente militar no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. and infection risk factors were investigated in horses from a military contingent in the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. A total of 446 horses were evaluated and categorized into 309 mares, 11 stallions, and 126 horses with an average age of three years. To determine seroprevalence, serum samples from all horses were submitted to the microscopic agglutination test against 12 serovars belonging to nine serogroups, usually circulating in equine populations. To investigate the possible risk factors of infection by Leptospira spp., questionnaires were applied in that military unit. The seroprevalence in the horses with an average age of 3 years, mares, and stallions were 57.94% (73/126), 54.05% (165/309), and 45.45% (5/11), respectively. The main risk factors identified were contact with different water sources, the presence of rodents, and contact with wild and domestic animals. The high seroprevalence of anti­Leptospira spp. antibodies may be associated with the presence of these risk factors. Therefore, the exposure of horses to possible reservoirs of Leptospira spp. should be minimized. Also, the immunoprophylaxis protocol should be reviewed and a shorter interval between vaccinations adopted to control leptospirosis in this herd.(AU)

A soroprevalência de Leptospira spp. e os fatores de risco para infecção foram investigados em cavalos de um contingente militar no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um total de 446 cavalos foram avaliados e categorizados em 309 éguas, 11 garanhões e 126 cavalos com idade média de três anos. Para determinação da soroprevalência, amostras de soro de todos os equinos foram submetidas ao teste de aglutinação microscópica contra 12 sorovares pertencentes a nove sorogrupos, normalmente circulantes em populações equinas. Para investigar os possíveis fatores de risco da infecção por Leptospira spp., foi aplicado um questionário naquela unidade militar. A soroprevalência nos cavalos com idade média de três anos, éguas e garanhões foi de 57,94% (73/126), 54,05% (165/309) e 45,45% (5/11), respectivamente. Os principais fatores de risco identificados foram o contato com diferentes fontes de água, a presença de roedores e o contato com animais silvestres e domésticos. A alta soroprevalência de anticorpos anti­Leptospira spp. pode estar associada à presença desses fatores de risco. Portanto, a exposição destes equinos aos possíveis reservatórios de Leptospira spp. deve ser minimizada. Além disso, o protocolo de imunoprofilaxia deve ser revisto e, possivelmente, um menor intervalo entre as vacinas deve ser adotado para o controle da leptospirose neste plantel.(AU)