SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC, LABORATORY AND CLINICAL FEATURES OF PATIENTS ADMITTED FOR LEPTOSPIROSIS TO TWO MAJOR HOSPITALS IN EAST MALAYSIA (2011-2014)

Mohan Rao, Fairuz Amran, Nurul Atiqah Noor Halim and Rashidah Mohammad

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira mostly affecting people in tropical and subtropical countries where environmental and socio-cultural conditions favor disease transmissions. Borneo, Malaysia is endemic for leptospirosis and a survey was conducted to analyze pro-files of leptospirosis patients in Borneo obtained from records of confirmed cases admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Sibu Hospital from 2011-2014. Among 268 patients, 76% were males, age ranging from <1 to 89 years with 19% in 30-39 age bracket and 79% detected in the indigenous population. Fever with chills and rigor, nausea and vomiting were predominant symptoms, with abnormal liver and renal profiles. Mortality (5%) was due to complications from the disease. As leptospirosis continues to be an important public health concern, more work is needed to evaluate risk factors and improve awareness to improve strategies for control and prevention.