Epidemiology of Leptospirosis in Mesoamerica: Historical Perspectives on One Health Transmission

Purpose of Review: Leptospirosis is the most common bacterial zoonotic disease and can be found throughout the globe. The objectives of our study were to highlight risk factors of importance from Central America and the Caribbean and to discuss outbreaks of public health concern as well as general disease expansion in these regions. Recent Findings: A number of recent discoveries ranging from epidemiology to ecology of leptospirosis have occurred recently. Of particular note were the recent discovery of a new pathogenic Leptospire along with documentation of opportunistic strain infections and several analyses of socio-demographic and occupational factors related to the disease. Summary: Leptospirosis has continued to exist and reports indicate increased numbers of disease cases when compared with past records in most nations. This expansion is particularly interesting when considering the underreporting that is especially likely in areas where other diseases, notably dengue fever, exist. © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG.