Leptospira sp. availability and its relationship with ecological parameters of Lata Janggut, Jeli, Kelantan

The number of Leptospirosis cases and deaths in Kelantan from 2009-2015 showed increasing trends with Jeli District held the highest record for the number of fatalities, which indirectly creates an anxiety situation. This study provides information about the ecological parameters of Leptospira sp. at Lata Janggut, which is a natural, recreational area. However, waterfall ecosystem is also one of the potential sites of the bacteria, due to infected animals excrete the urine that contain pathogenic leptospires. In this research, water samples were collected at the upstream part of the waterfall, from the shade and direct sun area. The study was conducted for three months (July-September). Water samples were taken for the Leptospira sp. Availability testing through the morphological characterization and staining technique. In-situ and ex-situ data were measured as the physical and chemical parameters of water samples. The biological parameter was taken based on the observation as well. Water Quality Index (WQI) of the upstream area of Lata Janggut was analysed with 64.50 (Class III) and 77.51 (Class II), in the shade and direct sun area, respectively, according to the WQI value suggested by DOE of Malaysia. Based on the identification, the study area was free from Leptospirosis during the observation period, which further correlates with the water properties at the upstream part of Lata Janggut.