Leptospirosis Transmission in Ponorogo District of East Java, Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study aims to identify Leptospira bacterial infection in livestock owners and their livestock, as wellas to examine potential risk factors correlated with the incidence. 50 participants were selected and theirblood samples were collected. 50 urine samples were collected from livestock owned by the participants.Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used to identify the existence of the Leptospira bacteria. Thequestionnaire instrument was used to obtain information about individual characteristics and hygiene. TheChi-Squared test was adopted to examine the correlation between outcome and explanatory variables. Theconfirmation PCR test detected the bacterial DNA in 2 out of 50 blood samples examined (4%) and 3 out of50 urine samples examined (6%). Human leptospirosis incidence is significantly correlated with occupationtype (p=0.035), personal protective equipment (PPE) use (p=0.044), water puddle contact (p=0.044), cagesanitation (p=0.044) and Leptospira bacteria presence in livestock urine (p=0.007). Insignificant correlationwas showed in owners’ age variable. The presence of Leptospira bacteria both in livestock and the ownersindicates the real threat of animal to human transmission. Further study with larger sample size and widerrange variables and meticulous examination technique is required to comprehend the investigation.