Seroprevalence of Leptospirosis in Val Müstair, Switzerland

University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland258 enrolled

Overview

Human leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Due to its frequent inapparent course or mild severity with unspecific symptoms and limited availability of diagnostic laboratories the incidence of leptospirosis is likely to be underestimated. The hospital of Val Müstair is the major healthcare provider of a rural mountain valley in the canton of Graubünden/ Switzerland with approximately 1500 inhabitants. A relevant prevalence of Leptospira spp. antibodies in the population of the Val Müstair due to its geographic and social risk profile for Leptospira infection, namely the close contact of the population to both livestock and wildlife in agriculture and hunting is estimated. The aim of this study is to analyze the burden of this disease in order to evaluate the need of preventive measures. In addition, seroepidemiological data for the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) and for tularemia will be collected.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

258

Conditions

Leptospirosis Hepatitis E Virus Infection Tularemia

Interventions

Blood sample collection (at baseline and approximately two years after baseline). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays will be used to screen for IgG and IgM antibodies directed against the three pathogens (Leptospirosis, Tularemia, Hepatitis E).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Informed consent as documented by signature * Aged 18 years or older * Living for at least one year mainly (\>6 months per year) in Val Müstair (including Taufers and Rifair, Italy) Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to give consent * Inability to follow procedures * Acute infections/inflammatory disease

Locations (2)

University Hospital Basel, Division of Internal Medicine

Basel, Switzerland

Center da sanda Val Muestair

Val Müstair, Switzerland

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp, Francisella tularensis and Hepatitis E

Change in presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp, Francisella tularensis and Hepatitis E evaluated by serology at two different time points

Time frame: at baseline and approximately two years after baseline (project duration for each patient is one day or two days respectively, if they agree for another blood sampling in two years)

Secondary Outcomes

Change in presence of antibodies in risk populations (hunters and farmers)

Change in presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp., Hepatitis E and Francisella tularensis and of all pathogens in risk populations (hunters and farmers)

Time frame: at baseline and approximately two years after baseline (project duration for each patient is one day or two days respectively, if they agree for another blood sampling in two years)