Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis (also known as Weil's disease, grippotyphosa, and canicola) is a disease caused by bacteria (Leptospira interrogans) that produce a wide range of symptoms that may occur in two phases; some patients may develop kidney or liver failure, respiratory failure, meningitis, or even death. The bacterial infection is spread by the urine of infected animals from many species, both domesticated (such as dogs and horses) and wild infected animals (such as rodents or wild pigs). It is termed a zoonotic disease or a zoonosis because it occurs in wild animals. The bacteria can survive in fresh water and soil for months. The disease is most common in temperate and tropical climates.
- Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that can occur in humans and animals worldwide.
- A type of spiral-shaped bacterium called a spirochete, Leptospira interrogans, causes leptospirosis.
- High risk factors for leptospirosis include close association with animals and the water and soil they may contaminate with infected urine.
- Diagnosis of leptospirosis is done by isolating the bacteria from the patient. Blood tests are also available.
- There are antibiotics that are effective in treating leptospirosis.
- Most people infected with Leptospira interrogans bacteria have a good prognosis; a few have a more guarded prognosis.
How leptospirosis is spread
People get leptospirosis by contact with fresh water, wet soil or vegetation contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially: rodents (for example rats and mice), cattle, pigs, horses, dogs. Both domestic and wild animals can carry leptospirosis and they pass the bacteria in their urine.
The Leptospira bacteria can enter the body through broken skin, water-softened skin, mucous membranes (the thin moist lining of many parts of the body such as the nose, mouth, throat and genitals) or by swallowing or inhaling contaminated water. Leptospirosis is an occupational hazard for many people working outdoors or with animals, such as: dairy farmers, sewer workers, veterinarians, abattoir workers, military personnel.
Campers and people who participate in outdoor sports such as white water rafting, swimming or wading in contaminated lakes or rivers are also at risk.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of infection with Leptospira may range from no symptoms to fatal disease. The illness often occurs in 2 phases.
First phase
The first phase, which usually lasts 5 to 7 days, begins suddenly with symptoms including:
- high fever
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- red eyes
- muscle aches (especially thigh and calf muscles)
- rash
- chills
Second phase
A second phase of illness (immune phase) may follow 1 to 2 weeks later, with symptoms such as
- jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- kidney failure
- irregular heart beat
- lung problems
- meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain)
- red eyes.
Treatment
Effective antibiotic therapy is available. People with serious illness may require hospitalisation for treatment of complications such as kidney failure.
Prevention
Exclusion from childcare, preschool, school or work is not necessary.
Minimise contact with fresh water, mud and vegetation that might be contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents. Wear protective clothing, such as waterproof boots or waders, when participating in recreational or work activities that might result in such exposure.
- Vaccinate dairy cows.
- Rodent control is important.
- No vaccine is available for humans.
Sources:
https://www.medicinenet.com/leptospirosis/article.htm
