Do Occupational Factors Render Army Service a High-Leptospirosis-Risk Occupation?

• 作者: Aziah B. D. Azwany Y. N. Fairuz A. Mohd Nazri S. Nabilah A. Siti Asma’ H. Siti Sara Y. Zahiruddin W. M. Zaliha I.
• 来源期刊: 职业病与环境医学(英文)
• 学科: 医学
• 关键词: ARMY LEPTOSPIROSIS SEROPREVALENCE Igm Enzyme-Linked IMMUNOSORBENT Assay (ELISA) Microscopic AGGLUTINATION Test (MAT)
• 年，卷（期）: 2020,（2）
• 页码范围: 79-89
• 页数: 11页
• 分类号: R73

摘要

Objective: Leptospirosis is a known zoonotic disease which is closely related to certain high-risk occupational group. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with seropositive leptospirosis among army personnel. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted involving 616 army personnel using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic, occupational and environmental data as well as recreational activities history. Serum sample for leptospirosis was taken for screening with IgM Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (IgM ELISA) test. Positive tests were confirmed by Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). Results: All respondents were male, Malays and married with the mean age of 29.28 (7.15) years old. The mean duration of working was 11.50 (7.75). Majority of the respondents were non-officer and riflemen, smokers (455 (73.9%), stayed inside the camp and engaged in recreational activities. The mean duration of employment was 11.50 (7.75) years. The overall seroprevalence of leptospirosis was 16.2% (95% CI: 13.32, 19.15) and the predominant pathogenic serovar identified was Terengganu (38.2%). Those who had lower educational levels were more protective for positive leptospirosis compared to those who have only primary education (OR: 0.32;95% CI: 0.14, 0.76;p = 0.009). Conclusion: Despite being named as one of the high-risk occupations for leptospirosis, this study found no significant occupational factors related to leptospirosis seropositivity among army personnel.