Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a significant yet underacknowledged global health threat, causing an estimated 1.03 million cases and 58,900 deaths annually. However, the true incidence is likely far higher due to widespread underdiagnosis and surveillance gaps. The disease disproportionately affects marginalized communities with limited access to health care, clean water, and sanitation, exacerbating poverty.

Ongoing research

In Sri Lanka, the International Vaccine Institute is conducting the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort – Infectious Disease (RaPCoID) project to estimate the true incidence of leptospirosis and hepatitis E virus and to assess their impact on pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and infants. Leveraging an existing collection of samples from the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo) in Sri Lanka, the project will measure antibodies (markers of exposure) against leptospirosis and hepatitis E virus in sequential serum samples collected during pregnancy. Given that an IVI study estimated the annual economic burden of leptospirosis due to lost productivity at US$29.3 billion in 2019, potentially reaching as high as US$52.3 billion, these efforts are critical for informing strategies to reduce both health and economic impacts.

Advocating for policy change

Despite its geographic prevalence and disproportionate impact on impoverished communities, among other factors, leptospirosis is not included on the World Health Organization’s list of neglected tropical diseases. In 2024, the IVI Global Council Secretariat and Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health advocated for prioritizing leptospirosis on the global health agenda and emphasized the need for research and development to advance diagnostics, strengthen surveillance, and improve prevention and control strategies, including vaccine development.

Page updated: March 2025