Leptospirosis: An emerging zoonosis in Pakistan

Leptospirosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by leptospira species. many domestic and wild animals act as reservoirs and ultimate source of contamination to human population. since it is an emerging infectious disease that is under reported in developing countries,this report would provide baseline study for clinicians and researchers. to study the serosurveillance of human leptospirosis,100 human (78 males; 22 females) blood samples were collected from lahore city and its peri-urban areas and processed by celisa serion elisa classic microtiter plate. the results of this study revealed 44% prevalence of human leptospirosis. among 78 males and 22 females,38 males (49%) and 06 females (27%) were found positive. age wise serosurveillance demonstrate 47% prevalence in adults and 35% in young ones. season wise 42%,40%,26% and 47% were observed in summer,fall,winter and spring,respectively. it is concluded that highest prevalence was in male adults while spring and summer were more susceptible seasons having leptospirosis infection. this is the first report of serosurveillance of leptospirosis in humans in pakistan. copyright 2013 zoological society of pakistan.