Risk factors associated with Leptospira infection in Western Jamaica

Abstract

Background: Identification of risk factors associated with leptospirosis may aid in decreasing transmission of this infection from animals to humans. Objective: This study was conducted among a discrete population of serologically infected individuals in the Western region of Jamaica to identify and assess their knowledge of the factors associated with leptospiral transmission. Methods: An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on age, education, occupation, income, knowledge of leptospirosis and clinical symptoms from 41 confirmed leptospiral cases infected from January 2005 to December 2007, and 96 matched controls. Results: Sixty-three percent of the cases reported daily contact with rodents, compared to 50% of the controls. Also, 80.5% of cases reported having jaundice prior to hospital treatment. A majority of cases (70.7%) as well as controls (85.4%) had minimal knowledge of leptospirosis. Most of the transmission occurred among working adults, and males were noted to be disproportionately affected at a rate of four times greater than females. Conclusions: Jaundice was the most common clinical sign associated with leptospirosis in this sample. This suggests that rural areas should consider leptospirosis as a leading differential when correlated with the above clinical presentation. Steps should be taken to eliminate or decrease contact with rodents in the community and in educating community members regarding transmission and symptoms of leptospirosis.

Keywords: Leptospirosis, Western Jamaica, risk factors and transmission