Infect Chemother.  2013 Jun;45(2):137-144. 10.3947/ic.2013.45.2.137.

Leptospirosis in the Republic of Korea: Historical Perspectives, Current Status and Future Challenges

• Kim MJ

• KMID: 2284995
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2013.45.2.137

Abstract

Leptospirosis is an important public health problem in the Republic of Korea (ROK), occurring sporadically or in outbreaks during the autumn season. Wild rodents, Apodemus agrarius, have been mainly involved in human leptospirosis. The majority of carrier animals are infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar lai. The characteristic pulmonary involvement or hemorrhage may increase the clinical severity or result in fatal outcomes, and these aspects continue to be a threat to people in endemic areas. While the disease incidence has been relatively low in recent years, there have been newer findings of livestock (zoo animals and racing horses) and rats (Rattus norvegicus) captured in urban environments as potential animal carriers. Many avenues of research are still open to define current changes in ecology, epidemiology, and the disease burden in both humans and animals in the ROK, together with global warming and climate change issues. In addition, national policy regarding the weighted wildlife monitoring system and the enhanced disease surveillance program is required to facilitate better monitoring and understanding of this disease.

Keyword

Leptospira; Epidemiology; Reservoirs; Pulmonary hemorrhage

MeSH Terms

Animals
Climate Change
Continental Population Groups
Disease Outbreaks
Ecology
Fatal Outcome
Global Warming
Hemorrhage
Humans
Incidence
Leptospira
Leptospira interrogans
Leptospirosis
Livestock
Murinae
Public Health
Rats
Republic of Korea
Rodentia
Seasons

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Incidence of leptospirosis (1987-2011) and seasonal and regional distribution of the reported cases in the Republic of Korea (2001-2010). A: Annual incidence by years with or without leptospiral vaccination (1988-1997 and 1998-2011). B: Number of cases in different months. C: Number of cases in different regions. D: Number of cases in different age groups and sex. (Data source, the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

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