Risk factors associated with antibodies to leptospires in inner-city residents of Baltimore: a protective role for cats

Am J Public Health. 1992 Apr;82(4):597-9. doi: 10.2105/ajph.82.4.597.

Abstract

Leptospiral antibody prevalence was 16% in residents of Baltimore. Seropositivity was associated with age, gender, race, and bird ownership, reduced the antibody risk associated with age and race from odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of 3.3 (2.0, 5.5) and 3.3 (1.1, 9.3), respectively, to the baseline level. These data establish the high prevalence of leptospiral antibody in Baltimore and suggest a protective role for cats in reducing the risk of human infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Animals, Domestic
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood*
  • Baltimore / epidemiology
  • Birds
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data
  • Cats
  • Disease Vectors
  • Female
  • Health Status Indicators
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Rats
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Weil Disease / blood
  • Weil Disease / epidemiology*
  • Weil Disease / transmission

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin G