Leptospirosis in meat inspectors: preliminary results of a serological survey.
A serological survey of leptospirosis among more than 1000  meat inspectors, from meat works throughout New Zealand, revealed a serological prevalence at a minimum serum dilution of 1:24, of 10.2 percent. Eighty-five percent of serological reactions were to serovars pomona and tarassovi. A highly significant correlation was demonstrated between the serological prevalence of these serovars and the inspection of pigs. Evidence is provided to substantiate the use of titres as low as 1:24 as an indication of previous leptospiral infection. Forty-two inspectors reported medical evidence of previous clinical infection with leptospirosis. Analysis of those who still exhibited a serological response and their individual case histories, indicated that detectable titres of leptospirosis can exist for up to 10 years.
D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D005513:Food Inspection; D006801:Humans; D007919:Leptospira / Q000276:immunology*; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008460:Meat; D009520:New Zealand; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D009790:Occupations; D013552:Swine
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial