[Leptospiroses in New Caledonia. Reports of 32 cases diagnosed between 1973 and 1980].

This first study about human leptospiroses in New Caledonia reports 32 cases diagnosed between 1973 and 1980. They are typical forms with hepatonephritis in 90 % of cases. Serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae is predominating (75 %), followed by Canicola and Australis. The disease is spread throughout the whole territory with two foci in the suburbs of the main town where there are irrigated market gardens. Contamination is indirect by contact with water infected by rodents.