[A case of leptospirosis in an agrarian community].

A mortal case of leptosprosis happened in a little agricultural community situated in a country town in the south Lazio Region, and in consequence of that the Local Health Unit originated a series of epidemiological investigation and preventive treatments. Serological tests were effectuated both on the residents of the interested area and on animals of the farm. These serological tests gave positive results for four inhabitants and eight animals. The agricultural community were subjected to a chemoprophylaxis. No new cases of disease have been found. The drinking water was analyzed because the water supplied came from unprotected wells. The tests gave unfavorable results for the presence of fecal streptococci. It wasn't possible to effect specific tests for the research of leptospira, because it was difficult to find suitably equipped laboratory. As a result of these tests it was decided to apply preventive treatments on a permanent basis on the farm in question. The fact that the serodiagnosis showed the same kind of leptospira in both men and animal, suggested once again the problem of transmission between animals and men and the need for adequate measures of profilaxis. Also the need to cover exposed agricultural work men with an adequate insurance. Great interest was shown in the correct intervention of the operators of Public Hygiene Service and Veterinary Services. It's essential to coordinate the activity of the two services for an effective intervention in these si milar cases, both during the phases of epidemiological research and prevention. Intention of this work is to furnish a possible operative procedure for situations of this kind.