Trends in human leptospirosis in Denmark, 2012-2021

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection that can cause influenza-like symptoms and severe disease. In Denmark, leptospirosis is rare, non-endemic, and most commonly transferred to humans from mice and rats. Cases of human leptospirosis in Denmark are by law notifiable to Statens Serum Instit...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology 2023-02, Vol.13, p.1079946-1079946
Main Authors: Eves, Caroline, Kjelsø, Charlotte, Benedetti, Guido, Jørgensen, Charlotte Sværke, Krogfelt, Karen Angeliki
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Agriculture
Animals
Bacterial Zoonoses
Cellular and Infection Microbiology
Denmark
Denmark - epidemiology
Disease Outbreaks
disease surveillance
emerging disease
Humans
leptospirosis
Leptospirosis - epidemiology
Male
Mice
Middle Aged
one health (OH)
Rats
zoonosis
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Summary:Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection that can cause influenza-like symptoms and severe disease. In Denmark, leptospirosis is rare, non-endemic, and most commonly transferred to humans from mice and rats. Cases of human leptospirosis in Denmark are by law notifiable to Statens Serum Institut. This study aimed to describe trends in incidence of leptospirosis in Denmark from 2012 to 2021. Descriptive analyses were used to calculate the incidence, geographical distribution and possible routes of infection, as well as testing capacity and serological trends. The overall incidence rate was 0.23 per 100,000 inhabitants, with the highest annual incidence of 24 cases in 2017. Men between 40-49 years old were the demographic group most commonly diagnosed with leptospirosis. August and September were the months with highest incidence over the entire study period. The most common serovar observed was Icterohaemorrhagiae, although over a third of cases were diagnosed polymerase chain reaction alone. The most common sources of exposure reported were travel abroad, farming, and recreational contact with fresh water, the latter being a new exposure compared to previous studies. Overall, a One Health approach would ensure better detection of outbreaks and milder disease. Additionally, preventative measures should be expanded to include recreational water sports.
ISSN:2235-2988
2235-2988
DOI:10.3389/fcimb.2023.1079946