Epidemiological Status and Diagnosis of Leptospirosis —A Review

Numerous investigations carried out in impacted countries have enhanced our knowledge of the leptospirosis epidemiology, a serious zoonotic illness that has spread throughout the world. Reliable global incidence numbers are unavailable, and the infection is underreported. According to a thorough analysis and modelling exercise, there are over a million human cases and about 60,000 fatalities worldwide each year. Although temperate countries can also experience it, tropical locations are where it is most common. Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, Oceania, South and Southeast Asia, and sections of Latin America have the highest infection rates. Even though leptospirosis is a tropical zoonotic disease that is often overlooked, it is rapidly becoming a significant global concern. It appears to co-infect with unrelated diseases, such as malaria and dengue. Every year, the incidence of leptospirosis rises. Consequently, immunization and increasing public awareness particularly among high-risk groups are essential for diagnosing, managing, and preventing this illness. Currently, leptospirosis is diagnosed using diagnostic techniques such as the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction, epifluorescence assay, and microscopic agglutination test. The most extensively used gold standard test for leptospirosis diagnosis is MAT. Given the significance of this illness and its recent high incidence, the current study sought to learn more about leptospirosis’ epidemiology and diagnostics.