Prevalence and risk factors for human leptospirosis in a rural district of Pelotas, a city in southernmost Brazil

Leptospirosis is one of the most widespread zoonosis in the world. In humans, the disease is responsible for more than a million cases annually. The purpose of this study was to assess human seroprevalence to leptospirosis in a rural community of southernmost Brazil. Furthermore, we assess possible epidemiological cues associated with seroprevalence. A total of 216 individuals were enrolled in the study. With an overall seroprevalence of 21.3% (n=46), to at least one of the 12 antigens tested. Seroreactivity was associated with 13 of the investigated cues, including those associated with the individuals, their behavior, environment, domestic animals, and synanthropic rodents. While seroprevalence was not particularly high when compared to other studies in similar populations, some of the risk factors associated with the disease are easy to circumvent, and indications for policymakers and future studies are made within.

COMPARATIVE RODENTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF BAITS WITH A COMPLEX COMPOUND RECOMMENDED FOR CONTROL OF SYNANTHROPIC RODENTS

The article presents data of laboratory studies of the rodenticidal activity of baits consisting of a complex agent (anticoagulant plus synergist) in the form of gel in comparison with the rodenticidal activity of baits made on the basis of wheat groats. It is found that the rodenticidal activity of gel-like baits in comparison with «loose» baits is higher. This is probably due to the fact, that gel-like baits are eaten by experimental rodents slightly higher than baits made of wheat grits. As a result, rodents faster received the necessary lethal dose of the complex drug