Serological evidence of leptospirosis in a human population following an outbreak of the disease in cattle

A serological study of leptospirosis in a human population, mainly children of a village near Madras City in Tamilnadu State, India, was undertaken following an outbreak of the disease in cattle as evidenced by clinical symptoms and serology. 27 (68%) of the 40 animal sera tested were positive for leptospiral antibodies. Though cross reactions were present, higher titres and a greater number of positive reactions were seen against autumnalis antigen. 35 (47%) of the 75 human sera gave positive antibody titres and, of these, 22 showed the presence of antibodies to autumnalis antigen.