Seroepidemiology ofLeptospiraExposure in General Population in Rural Durango, Mexico

Abstract

The magnitude ofLeptospiraexposure in rural Mexico is largely unknown. We sought to determine the seroprevalence ofLeptospiraIgG antibodies in adults in rural Durango, Mexico, and to determine the sociodemographic, behavioral, and housing characteristics of the subjects associated withLeptospiraseropositivity. We performed a cross-sectional study in 282 adults living in rural Durango, Mexico. Sera from participants were analyzed forLeptospiraIgG antibodies using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay. Seroprevalence association with the characteristics of the subjects was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate analyses. Of the 282 rural subjects (42.91 ± 17.53 years old) studied, 44 (15.6%) had anti-LeptospiraIgG antibodies. Seropositivity toLeptospirawas not associated with gender, educational level, employment, socioeconomic status, contact with animals or soil, or type of floors at home. In contrast, multivariate analysis showed thatLeptospiraexposure was associated with national trips (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.05–4.16;P=0.03) and poor education of the head of the family (OR = 2.96; 95% CI: 1.51–5.78;P=0.001). We demonstrated serological evidence ofLeptospiraexposure in adults in rural northern Mexico. The contributing factors associated withLeptospiraexposure found in the present study may be useful for optimal planning of preventive measures againstLeptospirainfection.