title: Leptospirosis in Germany, 1962-2003.
abstract: Epidemiologic trends of human leptospirosis in Germany were investigated by analyzing national surveillance data from 1962 to 2003 and by conducting a questionnaire-based survey from 1997 to 2000. After a steady decrease of leptospirosis incidence from 1962 to 1997, surveillance data indicate an increase in disease incidence to 0.06 per 100,000 (1998-2003). Of 102 laboratory-confirmed cases in humans from 1997 to 2000, 30% were related to occupational exposures. Recreational exposures were reported in 30% (including traveling abroad in 16%), whereas residential exposure accounted for 37% of the cases. Direct contact with animals, mostly rats and dogs, was observed in 31% of the cases. We conclude that recent changes in transmission patterns of leptospirosis, partially caused by an expanding rat population and the resurgence of canine leptospirosis, may facilitate the spread of the disease in temperate countries like Germany. Preventive measures should be adapted to the changing epidemiology of leptospirosis.
authors: Robert Koch Institute, Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology, Berlin, Germany. JansenA@rki.de
authors: Andreas
authors: A
authors: Jansen
authors: Irene
authors: I
authors: Schöneberg
authors: Christina
authors: C
authors: Frank
authors: Katharina
authors: K
authors: Alpers
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Schneider
authors: Klaus
authors: K
authors: Stark
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004197:Disease Reservoirs; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000266:history; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012621:Seasons