[The prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira in urban human and canine populations from the Tolima Department].

OBJECTIVE

Determining Leptospira sp. antibody seroprevalence and prevalent serovars in human and canine populations from three municipalities in the Tolima Department of Colombia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study (subjects being selected by convenience sampling in 62 districts). Samples were collected from 850 dogs and 850 people during June, July and August 2007; these were processed using a microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and five serovars: Hardjo, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Canicola, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Bratislava. MAT was considered positive when 50 % or more leptospira were agglutinated with one or more serovars in a 1:100 serum dilution in both species.

RESULTS

At least one serovar showed evidence of infection in 6 % of the people and 21.4 % of canines. The most prevalent serovars were Pomona and Grippotyphosa in two populations. Co-agglutinations were present in 49 % of human sera and 19.2 % of canine samples. Decreased Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar agglutination frequency was evident in dogs.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a change in leptospirosis pattern in urban populations. Active and passive surveillance must be strengthened, routine diagnostic tests implemented and preventative measures taken in specific animal reservoirs.