Occupational leptospirosis as an underreported disease in high-risk groups: implications for prevention and control measures

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease with no particular or verified symptoms, which has been underreported as an occupational infection.Leptospirainterrogans serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae andL. interrogansserovarGrippotyphosaare the two major pathogenic serovars. Professionals who are in constant contact with animals and their residues, in water supply, rice mill, slaughtering houses, hospital sanitary places, strawberry picking, construction works, agriculture working, forest working and food industry are at highest risk. Factors related to occupational, environmental, and recreational aspects and the presence of wild reservoirs of leptospirosis will be discussed in this concise review. Noticeably, lack of early identification, international travelling, skin wounds, sanitary and washing habitations after contact with animals, delay in treatment, and unhealthy behaviors of adolescents contribute to the disease. Hence, public education for people's awareness is essential. For instance, farmers, students, forest keepers, veterinary surgeons or veterinarians, and abattoir workers should take care by wearing cloth, such as long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, and simple gloves to hinder the infection acquisition through skin. For people engaged in water sports, covering skin abrasions with waterproof dressings and wearing protective clothing can prevent disease transmission. However, there is no same control strategy applicable to all epidemiological wards universally. Furthermore, ecoepidemiological and cultural characteristics should be well recognized. Copyright (C) 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Keywords:leptospirosis; occupational diseases; risk factors; zoonoses