Abstract

CRUZ M, Rollin; FERNANDEZ V, Freddy  and  AREVALO R, Heriberto. Hiperendemicidad de leptospirosis y factores de riesgo asociados en localidades arroceras del departamento de San Martín - Perú¹. Rev. perú. med. exp. salud publica [online]. 2002, vol.19, n.1, pp.10-16. ISSN 1726-4634.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Leptospira infection and associated factors in rice growing places in San Martin Department, Peru. Materials and methods: In this analytical and cross-sectional study, we chose a sample of 457 settlers at 73 major rice growing places in 4 provinces of San Martin Department, between July and December 2000. They were assessed for the presence of serum IgG anti-Leptospira antibodies using an ELISA method, identifying serovars (in positive samples) through a microagglutination test (MAT). The presence of risk factors associated to Leptospira infection was assessed with an epidemiological survey. Results: 115 (25,2%) settlers had anti-Leptospira antibodies. Factors associated to Leptospira infection in settlers were: age over 30 (OR=1,69 , p=0,018), not being born in San Martin (OR=1,59, p=0,032 ), being a farmer (OR=1,71, p=0,13), to live in a house without an appropriate floor (OR= 2,17, p= 0,018), absence of a sewage system, eliminating stools to the field (OR=2,11, p=0,023) and not keeping food adequately protected (OR=3,63, p=0,023). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of leptospirosis in areas dedicated to rice cultivation in San Martin Department. Preventive educational activities should be performed in these areas, taking into account the risk factors identified. 

Keywords : Leptospirosis; Prevalence; Antibodies; Risk factor; Peru.

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