title: High Seroprevalence of Leptospira Exposure in Meat Workers in Northern Mexico: A Case-Control Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The seroepidemiology of Leptospira infection in workers occupationally exposed to raw meat has been poorly studied. This work aimed to determine the association between Leptospira exposure and the occupation of meat worker, and to determine the seroprevalence association with socio-demographic, work, clinical and behavioral characteristics of the meat workers studied.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a case-control study in 124 meat workers and 124 age- and gender-matched control subjects in Durango City, Mexico. Sera of cases and controls were analyzed for anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay. Data of meat workers were obtained with the aid of a questionnaire. The association of Leptospira exposure with the characteristics of meat workers was analyzed by bivariate and multivariate analyses.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Anti-Leptospira IgG antibodies were found in 22 (17.7%) of 124 meat workers and in eight (6.5%) of 124 controls (OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.33 - 7.33; P = 0.006). Seroprevalence of Leptospira infection was similar between male butchers (17.6%) and female butchers (18.2%) (P = 1.00). Multivariate analysis of socio-demographic, work and behavioral variables showed that Leptospira exposure was associated with duration in the activity, rural residence, and consumption of snake meat and unwashed raw fruits.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first case-control study of the association of Leptospira exposure with the occupation of meat worker. Results indicate that meat workers represent a risk group for Leptospira exposure. Risk factors for Leptospira exposure found in this study may help in the design of optimal preventive measures against Leptospira infection.
authors: Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juarez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico.
authors: Cosme
authors: C
authors: Alvarado-Esquivel
authors: Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juarez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico.
authors: Jesus
authors: J
authors: Hernandez-Tinoco
authors: Institute for Scientific Research "Dr. Roberto Rivera Damm", Juarez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico.
authors: Luis Francisco
authors: LF
authors: Sanchez-Anguiano
authors: Clinica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Agar
authors: A
authors: Ramos-Nevarez
authors: Clinica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Sandra Margarita
authors: SM
authors: Cerrillo-Soto
authors: Clinica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Leandro
authors: L
authors: Saenz-Soto
authors: Clinica de Medicina Familiar, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado, Predio Canoas S/N, 34079 Durango, Mexico.
authors: Lucio
authors: L
authors: Martinez-Ramirez
keywords: Case-control study; Epidemiology; Leptospira; Meat workers; Mexico; Seroprevalence