Leptospirosis and Extensive Urbanization in West Africa: A Neglected and Underestimated Threat?

• Published in: Urban science Vol. 2; no. 2; p. 29
• Main Authors: Dobigny, Gauthier, Gauthier, Philippe, Houéménou, Gualbert, Choplin, Armelle, Dossou, Henri-Joël, Badou, Sylvestre, Etougbétché, Jonas, Bourhy, Pascale, Koffi, Stéphane, Durski, Kara, Bertherat, Eric, Picardeau, Mathieu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI 01.06.2018; MDPI AG
• Subjects: Ecology, environment; Geography; Health; Human health and pathology; Humanities and Social Sciences; Infectious diseases; Leptospira; Life Sciences; neglected tropical diseases; public health; Santé publique et épidémiologie; urbanization; zoonoses; Leptospirosis; Urban environment; neglected tropical diseases; West Africa; zoonoses; City dwellers; urbanization; public health; Leptospira
• DOI: 10.3390/urbansci2020029
• ISSN: 2413-8851

Leptospirosis affects 1 million and kills 60,000 people annually, but it remains poorly documented in Africa. We aim to describe the large West African Conurbation Corridor where the omnipresence of slums, water and close animal/human interactions may result in high leptospiral risk. Though scarce, data from this region point towards the wide circulation of pathogenic leptospires in the urban environment as well as in humans. However, because of the absence of reliable surveillance systems together with lack of awareness, the absence of reference laboratory and/or a high number of infected people showing only mild manifestations, it is likely that the burden is much higher. We believe raising awareness of leptospirosis may have a positive impact on many vulnerable African city dwellers, as the disease is a preventable and treatable.