[Serologic investigation on the prevalence of Leptospira spp infection in occupationally exposed subjects].

Background: Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic infection with a high in tropical regions.

Objective: The aim of the present survey was to verify the occurrence of diffusion of leptospirosis infections in Eastern Sicily, in some groups (6 veterinarians, 34 farmers and 28 abattoir workers), who were considered at high occupational risk.

Methods: Serologic investigation were performed using the immunological method (Martin Petit test); the Leptospira serovars considered were: ictero-haemorrhagiae (Bianchi 1); canicola (Alarik); pomona (Mezzano 1); grippo-typhosa (Moskva V); bratislava (Riccio 2); sejroe (Topino 1); hardjo (Hardjoprajitno); saxkoebing (Mus 24).

Results: Contagion was observed in 16 subjects out of 68 (23.5%), and the anti-leptospira antibodies detected were canicola, hardjo, sejroe grippo-typhosa e ictero-haemorrhagiae.

Conclusions: The authors stress the importance carrying out periodic health surveillance in subjects working in wet and contaminated environments or who are continuously in contact with animals receptive to infections. The present study also confirms the need to adopt preventive measures such as vaccines, and control programs for activities at high risk.