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Publications

Journal Article Epublish

PubMed: 42899296 DOI: 10.4103/jgid.jgid_244_25

Unravelling of Leptospirosis in the Humid Subtropical Climate of the Eastern Part of Northern India.

J Glob Infect Dis 18(3):105-111

Authors: Manoj Kumar, Deepak Kumar, Sudhir Kumar Singh, Alka Shukla, Mayank Gangwar, Ranjeet Kumar Vishwakarma, Ashish R Singh, Sonam Rastogi, Akshay Kumar, Pradyot Prakash, Gopal Nath

Affiliations

  • Department of Microbiology, Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
  • Department of Development Research, Clinical Studies and Trial Unit, ICMR, New Delhi, India.
  • Department of Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
  • Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira spirochetes and remains a significant public health concern in tropical and subtropical regions of India. The humid subtropical climate of Eastern Uttar Pradesh favors its transmission.

METHODS

To assess the occurrence, demographic characteristics, seasonal trends, and epidemiological distribution of leptospirosis in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2430 clinically suspected cases. Serum samples were tested for Leptospira-specific IgM antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic details, occupational exposure, seasonal variation, and district-wise distribution were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 2430 suspected cases, 550 (22.6%) were IgM positive. Gender distribution was nearly equal (49.4% males; 50.5% females). The highest prevalence was observed in males aged 11-20 years and females aged 21-40 years, with overall higher positivity in the 11-30 years age group. Seasonal peaks occurred in October among males and November among females, correlating with monsoon and post-monsoon periods. Housewives, farmers, and students showed higher positivity rates, indicating domestic and agricultural risk factors. Cases were reported from 16 districts, with the highest positivity in Deoria (33.3%), Prayagraj (31.2%), and Azamgarh (23.6%). Increased seroprevalence was noted among residents living along the River Ganga in Varanasi.

CONCLUSION

Leptospirosis is endemic in Eastern Uttar Pradesh with significant seasonal and occupational associations. Enhanced surveillance, early diagnosis, and targeted preventive strategies are essential to reduce disease burden in this subtropical region.

MeSH

Epidemiology, Climate, Leptospirosis, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Aged, Zoonoses, Prevalence