Objective: Human cases of leptospirosis, an endemic zoonotic disease in the South Caucasus, are reported almost every year. In Armenia, the infection is widely distributed in wildlife, particularly rodents, and is considered a priority zoonosis because of its public health importance and outbreak potential. Methods: This study analyzed annual reports and archival records from the Armenian National Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The dataset included field and laboratory data on Leptospira -positive rodents collected between 2015 and 2024, as well as officially registered human cases from 2003 to 2024. Rodent trapping, sampling, and laboratory testing were conducted according to standardized protocols. All data were entered into a georeferenced digital database and analyzed with a geographic information system to assess spatial patterns. Results: Common voles accounted for 97.3% of Leptospira -positive rodents, whereas six other rodent species accounted for the remaining 2.7%. Most positive detections (60.3%) occurred at elevations of 2,000–3,000 meters. Among the 12 identified serogroups, Ballum, Hebdomadis, Autumnalis, Pyrogenes, and Javanica predominated and together represented 57% of detections. From 2003 to 2024, 83 human cases were reported, 72.2% of which involved Icterohaemorrhagiae. Conclusion: Our results indicated distinct natural and synanthropic transmission systems. The findings emphasize needs for targeted surveillance, rodent control, and spatial risk mapping to decrease human infection risk.
Manucharyan et al. (Thu,) studied this question.