DETECTION OF IgM ANTIBODIES TO LEPTOSPIRA IN HUMAN POPULATION WITH OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS IN VILLAVICENCIO, META

Objective. To determine the occupational seroprevalence of infection by Leptospira and associate factors in a human population in the municipality of Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was applied using occupational population groups selected by convenience. Samples of blood corresponding to 8 risk groups were obtained (n=273) by cubital venipuncture. Information on risk factors was obtained by a standardized interview. IgM antibodies were determined by means of Indirect ELISA. A Chi square test was applied using of SPSS 11.0 for Windows. Results. General seroprevalence was 19%. For occupational groups values were: 7% for slaughterhouse workers, 17% for veterinarians and small animal clinic assistants, 17% for students in their last year of veterinary Medicine and Zootechnical science, 21% for people milking cows , 23% for rice field workers, 35% for those working on pig-farms and 48% for fish farm workers. Three factors were found to be associated: rural social level (p=0.0005; ICCR 1.50 to 3.83), having a pet dog (p=0.046; ICCR 1.03 at 3.26) and coming into contact with rodents in the workplace (p=0.046; ICCR 1.03 to 3.26). Conclusions. A high seroprevalence for Leptospira spp was found in at-risk groups, with people working on pig-farms and fish-farms being most affected. The occupational character of the infection is recognized once more, and the possible association with lack of hygiene measures and labor protection.