Serological Evidence of Leptospira Infection in Veterinary Students, Bogota, Colombia

Introduction: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Leptospira interrogans and is transmitted by direct contact with animal secretions or contaminated water. Veterinary and veterinary students are population at risk of infection. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira interrogans infection among students in a School of Veterinary Medicine in Bogota, Colombia. Methods: We processed 445 sera by ELISA test; then we analyzed 42 samples by microagglutination (MAT). Results: Leptospira seroprevalence by ELISA IgM was 7.9% (35 of 445). 34 sera were positive by MAT at least for one serovar. Conclusion: This study confirms the usefulness of serological diagnosis in individuals with occupational risk for Leptospirosis and stand out the importance of using protective barriers by all populations who have regular animal contact including veterinary students.