Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. antibodies in humans and livestock at various human-animal interfaces in Jordan.

Abstract

Background and aim: Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira spp., affects humans and animals, posing significant health and economic burdens. This multidisciplinary One Health study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Leptospira spp.-specific antibodies in humans and livestock at the human-animal interfaces in Jordan.

Materials and methods: Study sites were selected across Jordan based on previous research showing a high likelihood of zoonotic pathogen circulation. The study population comprised 500 individuals and 400 livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, and camels). Blood samples were collected from both humans and livestock at baseline and at follow-up after 1.5 years. Humans were followed longitudinally, whereas livestock were sampled opportunistically. The samples were tested for Leptospira spp.-specific Immunoglobulin G antibodies using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. For humans, seroprevalence was calculated from baseline data, and incidence was calculated using follow-up data. In livestock, seroprevalence was calculated at baseline and follow-up.

Results: At baseline, the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in humans was 4.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-6.1), with exposure detected across all five sites. The incidence rate of human leptospirosis was 1145 cases/100,000 person-years (95% CI: 455-2,321). In livestock, the baseline seroprevalence was 1.7% (95% CI: 0.79-3.7), which increased to 4.3% (95% CI: 2.6-6.9) at follow-up. Leptospira spp. antibodies were detected only in sheep and goats at both sampling times, with no cases found in camels or cattle.

Conclusion: This study highlights the presence and dynamics of leptospirosis at the human-animal interface in Jordan, revealing a baseline human seroprevalence of 4.0% and an incidence rate of 1145 cases per 100,000 person-years. Among livestock, seroprevalence increased from 1.7% to 4.3% over the study period, with exposure limited to sheep and goats. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health and veterinary interventions to address zoonotic leptospirosis in endemic areas.