Neutrophil counts in leptospirosis patients infected with different serovars

In leptospirosis patients, haematological abnormalities have been reported. The aim of this study was to determine if neutrophil counts were different between patients known to be infected with a range of leptospiral serovars. The study retrospectively compared the neutrophil counts from the first blood samples taken from 210 leptospirosis patients at first presentation to a Queensland Health hospital. Significant differences (p <0.001) were observed in neutrophil counts across the 11 different infecting serovars. These findings suggest that neutrophil counts may be useful in the development of an algorithm determining the infecting serovar in suspected leptospirosis patients. Further studies are required to delineate host cytokine responses which may suggest the underlying aetiology of the observed differences in neutrophil counts. Such studies would also provide valuable therapeutic insights into treating the disease.

Leptospirosis and Leptospires - The silent assassins

Leptospirosis is one of the most common yet under reported zoonoses. Leptospires, the etiological agents of leptospirosis are ubiquitous pathogens, with a world-wide distribution, causing a spectrum of disease ranging from a mild influenza-like illness to Weil’s disease, which manifests itself in multi-organ failure. The following chapter reports on the epidemiology and transmission of the disease in humans and animals. The chapter will also delineate the symptoms observed in humans and animals and in concluding outline unresolved and evolving issues for microbiologists, epidemiologists and public health officials.

Leptospirosis from water sources

Leptospirosis outbreaks have been associated with many common water events including water consumption, water sports, environmental disasters and occupational exposure. The ability of leptospires to survive in moist environments makes them a high risk agent for infection following contact with any contaminated water source. Water treatment processes reduce the likelihood of leptospirosis or other microbial agents causing infection provided they do not malfunction and the distribution networks are maintained. Notably, there are many differences in water treatment systems around the world, particularly between developing and developed countries. Detection of leptospirosis in water samples is uncommonly performed by molecular methods.

Floods and human health : a systematic review

Floods are the most common type of disaster globally, responsible for almost 53,000 deaths in the last decade alone (23:1 low- versus high-income countries). This review assessed recent epidemiological evidence on the impacts of floods on human health. Published articles (2004–2011) on the quantitative relationship between floods and health were systematically reviewed. 35 relevant epidemiological studies were identified. Health outcomes were categorized into short- and long-term and were found to depend on the flood characteristics and people's vulnerability. It was found that long-term health effects are currently not well understood. Mortality rates were found to increase by up to 50% in the first year post-flood. After floods, it was found there is an increased risk of disease outbreaks such as hepatitis E, gastrointestinal disease and leptospirosis, particularly in areas with poor hygiene and displaced populations. Psychological distress in survivors (prevalence 8.6% to 53% two years post-flood) can also exacerbate their physical illness. There is a need for effective policies to reduce and prevent flood-related morbidity and mortality. Such steps are contingent upon the improved understanding of potential health impacts of floods. Global trends in urbanization, burden of disease, malnutrition and maternal and child health must be better reflected in flood preparedness and mitigation programs.

The emergence of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Arborea as the dominant infecting serovar following the summer of natural disasters in Queensland, Australia 2011

The following research reports the emergence of Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Arborea as the dominant infecting serovar following the summer of disasters and the ensuing clean up in Queensland, Australia during 2011. For the 12 month period (1 January to 31 December) L. borgpetersenii serovar Arborea accounted for over 49% of infections. In response to a flooding event public health officials need to issue community wide announcements warning the population about the dangers of leptospirosis and other water borne diseases. Communication with physicians working in the affected community should also be increased to update physicians with information such as clinical presentation of leptospirosis and other waterborne diseases. These recommendations will furnish public health officials with considerations for disease management when dealing with future disaster management programs.