Risk factors and predictors of severe leptospirosis in New Caledonia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leptospirosis is a major public health concern in New Caledonia (NC) and in other tropical countries. Severe manifestations of the disease are estimated to occur in 5-15% of all human infections worldwide and factors associated with these forms are poorly understood. Our objectives were to identify risk factors and predictors of severe forms of leptospirosis in adults.

Methods and findings

We conducted a retrospective case-control study of inpatients with laboratory-confirmed leptospirosis who were admitted to two public hospitals in NC in 2008-2011. Cases were patients with fatal or severe leptospirosis, as determined by clinical criteria. This approach was meant to be pragmatic and to reflect the routine medical management of patients. Controls were defined as p

SUBMITTER: Tubiana S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3542117 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature