Prevention and control of leptospirosis in people and surveillance of the pathogenic Leptospira in rats and in surface water found at villages

Abstract Background Leptospirosis is a major public health problem in Thailand. This disease is caused by a Leptospira infection. Leptospira is found in rats and other animals that can contaminate soil and water resources. This research aimed to (1) study the perceptions and preventive measures taken to control leptospirosis among local populations and (2) to detect Leptospira in rats and natural surface water. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed in both villages with and without case histories of leptospirosis. The research procedures were divided into 2 parts. First, the perceptions and preventive measures for leptospirosis used data from 108 sampled subjects that were recruited in May 2015. Second, the rats and surface water samples were collected. DNA was extracted from collected samples and then specific genes specific to Leptospira were detected using PCR technique. Results The awareness of leptospirosis of samples in two villages was at high level with the same percentage being at 91.6%. However, the preventive behaviors to leptospirosis of participants from both villages were found to be at only the moderate level. Leptospira detection in rats and surface water used a PCR technique. There was no Leptospira found in any of the 270 rat samples and 100 surface water samples taken from both villages. Conclusion Regardless, perception and preventive behaviors for dealing with leptospirosis should be continuously encouraged even when its presence is not detected. Clearly, people have to practice good behaviors for the prevention of this pathogen to be safe.