Seroprevalence and risk factors of Leptospira sp. among different groups in the Jordanian population: first study

Background: Leptospirosis is re-emerging as a major public health problem worldwide. However, there are limited data on the disease from the Middle East, including from Jordan, despite recent outbreaks occurring in Jordan's neighbouring countries.

Methods: Sera samples from 809 participants in 11 governorates were tested for Leptospira sp. seropositivity to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of Leptospira sp. in Jordan.

Results: Overall, 3.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2 to 4.8) of individuals tested were seropositive for Leptospira antibodies. Individuals who drink surface water (spring or rain water) had 5.69 (95% CI 2.57 to 12.60) higher odds of seropositivity compared with individuals who used municipal or filtered water, after controlling for age and practicing horticulture.

Conclusions: This is the first seroprevalence study of Leptospira sp. in Jordan and included important data on environmental and animal exposures.