Seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis among patients with leptospirosis in northern Iran: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Strongyloidiasis and leptospirosis are neglected tropical diseases that have affected many countries across the world. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis among patients with leptospirosis in northern Iran. We evaluated 156 laboratory- or clinically confirmed leptospirosis cases. The overall seroprevalence of S. stercoralis was 32.0% (95% confidence interval (CI): 27.4–36.5%, 50/156). Seropositivity was significantly associated with agricultural activities (odds ratio (OR): 2.84, 95% CI: 1.0–8.77) and gastrointestinal disorders (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.1–4.9). Laboratory findings indicated that seropositivity of S. stercoralis was significantly associated with decreased levels of platelet and elevated levels of creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.05). Our findings suggested a higher exposure to S. stercoralis larvae among patients with leptospirosis. The public health and medical communities may benefit from this research through preventive measures to improve farmers’ knowledge and awareness regarding strongyloidiasis and leptospirosis and the associated risk factors.