INCIDENCE OF LEPTOSPIROSIS IN INDIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

*Dr. Rajdeep Saha, Dr. Soma Sil (Mullick) and Dr. Rajyasri Guha Thakurta

ABSTRACT

Leptospirosis is a serious zoonotic re-emerging infectious disease prevalent in India. Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, in both rural and urban areas and in temperate and tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors or with animals, such as rice and sugar-cane field workers, farmers, sewer workers, veterinarians, dairy workers and military personnel. This study was performed to detect incidence and current scenario of leptospirosis in our hospital. Out of 1527 patients, 562 (36.8%) patients were diagnosed as a case of leptospirosis. The disease is often difficult to diagnose clinically; laboratory support is indispensable. Treatment with appropriate antibiotics and prevention by rodent control and animal vaccination is required. Untreated cases can progress to a more severe and potentially fatal stage.

Keywords: Leptospirosis, Immunochromatography, Rodents.