SEROPREVALENCE OF LEPTOSPIRAL ANTIBODIES AND KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES OF LEPTOSPIROSIS TO NON HIGH RISK GROUP IN SELANGOR

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Leptospirosis has become an urban public health problem as the rural poor population has moved into the cities. It is not much known about seropositivity among community and factor associated with leptospirosis. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies and its association between identified risk factors and exposure to rodents as well as to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) level among non high risk group in Selangor.

Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 100 healthy individual in Ampang Jaya. Data of personal information of respondents and exposure to rodents were recorded. KAP survey concerning leptospirosis using modified validated questionnaires was carried out. Determinant of seroprevalence was determined through serology test and leptospiral antibodies were detected by MAT.

Results: This study found that 27 sera were positive with 9 serogroups were detected. The most prevalent serovar were Sarawak and Terengganu. The most prevalence was in male and age <50 years old. Of the respondents, 2% have good knowledge, 6% have good attitude and 21% have good practice. No significant association between socio-demographic factor, exposure to rodents and knowledge, attitude, practice with seroprevalence were found.

Conclusion: The results found that 27% were seropositive and there was also lack on knowledge of leptospirosis among respondents.

Keywords: Leptospirosis, leptospires, seroprevalence, KAP, microscopic agglutination test