Seroprevalence and risk factors of Leptospira sp. among different groups in the Jordanian population: first study.

BACKGROUND

Leptospirosis is re-emerging as a major public health problem worldwide. However, there are limited data on the disease from the Middle East, including from Jordan, despite recent outbreaks occurring in Jordan's neighbouring countries.

METHODS

Sera samples from 809 participants in 11 governorates were tested for Leptospira sp. seropositivity to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of Leptospira sp. in Jordan.

RESULTS

Overall, 3.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2 to 4.8) of individuals tested were seropositive for Leptospira antibodies. Individuals who drink surface water (spring or rain water) had 5.69 (95% CI 2.57 to 12.60) higher odds of seropositivity compared with individuals who used municipal or filtered water, after controlling for age and practicing horticulture.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first seroprevalence study of Leptospira sp. in Jordan and included important data on environmental and animal exposures.