Human leptospirosis: seroreactivity and genetic susceptibility in the population of Sao Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic and recognized neglected infectious disease. It has been observed that only a proportion of individuals exposed to pathogenic species of Leptospira become infected and develop clinically evident disease. Moreover, little information is available in subsequent reinfections. In the present study, we determine if a first infection with leptospirosis protects against subsequent reinfection, and investigate which of the host genetic factors are involved in the susceptibility and resistance to leptospirosis.

Methodology and findings

We conducted, in 2011, a retrospective hospital-based case-control study in the São Miguel Island population (Azores archipelago). In order to determine the seropositivity against pathogenic Leptospira a

SUBMITTER: Esteves LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4177921 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature