Author(s): Soeiro, Sofia ; Matos, Rita ; Santos, João ; Manita, Carla ; Martins, Helena Cortes
Date: 2018
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.18/6348
Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Nacional de Saúde
Subject(s): Leptospirosis; Portugal; Retrospective Study; 2012 to 2017; Zoonotic Disease; Spirochete Bacteria; Leptospira; Infecções Sistémicas e Zoonoses
Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by spirochete bacteria of the genus Leptospira. There are 10 pathogenic species, and more than 250 pathogenic serovars. Humans and animals are infected with Leptospira through direct contact with the urine of an infected animal or indirectly by environmental contamination such as soil and water. Transmission occurs through mucous membranes, conjunctiva and skin cuts or abrasions. Leptospirosis ranges in severity from a mild, self-limited febrile illness to a fulminant life-threatening illness. The disease is widely spread all over the world, with a higher incidence in the tropical areas of the globe. Leptospirosis is a nationally notified disease, and 176 cases were declared during the 2012-2015 period, with a higher incidence on adult men. The aim of this study is to present an overview of cases observed during the past 6 years (2012-2017) in a convenience sample of the Portuguese population.
