Master of Science (MSc) by Research Project: Incidence/ prevalence of leptospirosis in humans and animals in the Caribbean region

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease affecting humans and animals and is a worldwide public health problem. In humans and animals, leptospirosis may lead to serious life threatening illness and increased mortality. Leptospirosis may result in economic loss due to its effect on reproduction in species such as cattle, sheep and pigs. The disease is endemic in many tropical and subtropical areas of the world and is a serious public health problem in the developing nations. Climatic and environmental conditions are considered as driving factors in the emergence of leptospirosis. This MSc by Research project will involve preparation of a systematic review on incidence/ prevalence of leptospirosis in humans and animals in the Caribbean region and a preliminary surveillance study in the island of St. Kitts and neighboring islands.