Whereas most studies have described cases of leptospirosis occurring during an outbreak, this study describes

a series of travel-related leptospirosis cases. Our cases were also confirmed by MAT that is not only sensitive and specific but also enables the determination of serogroups as it uses antigens of 17 different Leptospira serovars (Table 1). Nine different serovars were thus identified in this series. Travel represents the main sources of leptospirosis in nonendemic areas.[6, 11-14] In our experience (data not showed), 84% of the cases of leptospirosis diagnosed in the department in Paris between January 2008 and September 2011 were linked to travel in the tropics. In contrast, in endemic areas travel represents a less frequent but still significant source of leptospirosis. In Israel, a country endemic for leptospirosis, of 48 cases of leptospirosis diagnosed between 2002 and 2008, 42% were travel related.[7] In the Netherlands, LDE225 datasheet of 237 cases of leptospirosis diagnosed between 1987 and 1991, 14% were travel related.[6] In a western part http://www.selleckchem.com/products/abt-199.html of France also endemic for leptospirosis, of 34 patients seen over a period of 10 years, only 6% were

related to travel.[15] The most striking result was a history of at-risk exposure in Africa in 20% of our cases. Indeed, most travel-related leptospirosis cases have been described after travel to Asia, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.[4-6, 15] The incidence of leptospirosis in Africa is unknown. Travelers as epidemiological sentinel point toward this risk in Africa. An epidemic of leptospirosis in Kenya in 2004 also suggests that the disease is present but underdiagnosed.[16] Moreover, a study found a seroprevalence of 15% for leptospirosis in a population of five villages in the northeastern Gabon (Africa).[17] Overall, these recent studies clearly indicate that leptospirosis is underdiagnosed in Africa. Our epidemiological results are in agreement with those found in other series, with a predominance of males,[18]

at-risk fresh-water exposure such as bathing and practicing sports (canoeing, kayaking, rafting), together with a history of skin lesions[19] and high levels of hospitalization. In contrast with those studies, we did not find a predominance of the icterohemorragic serogroup but Diflunisal a large number of serogroups were involved. This indicates the wide diversity of the serogroups responsible for leptospirosis in travelers. The clinical picture is in agreement with that described in the literature with, in order of frequency, fever, headache, digestive disorders (vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea) myalgias, and arthralgias.[6, 7, 20] Laboratory results were also concordant with those found in the literature, with increased ASAT/ALAT, lymphocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, and renal impairment.[7, 12] We found a high frequency of lymphocytopenia (80%), a percentage higher than that usually reported in the literature, but similar to that found in another study.