LEPTOSPIROSISMadeleine D. Soriño

also known as Weil's syndrome, canicola fever, canefield fever, nanukayami fever, 7-day fever, Rat Catcher's Yellows, Fort Bragg fever, black jaundice and Pretibial fever

PATHOGEN

Leptospirosis is caused by a spirochaete bacterium called Leptospira spp

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

high fever severe headache Chills muscle aches Vomiting jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) red eyes abdominal pain Diarrhea rash

If the disease is not treated the patient could develop: kidney damage meningitis (inflammation of the membrane

around the brain and spinal cord) liver failure respiratory distress

In rare cases death occurs.

The incubation period (time of exposure to first symptoms) in animals is anywhere from 2 to 20 days.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION

Humans become infected through contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from infected animals.

This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin.

Leptospira organisms have been found in (also in their urine): Cattle Pigs horses Dogs Rodents and wild animals.

TREATMENT

antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease

Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms.

Doxocycline Penicillin

Tests for Leptospirosis Complete Blood Count Urinalysis Creatinine Dark Ground Illumination Leptospirosis IgM Spot Test

Complete Blood Count

Urinalysis

Creatinine

Dark Ground Illumination

Leptospirosis IgM Spot Test

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine

Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities

Reference http://

www.pathologylabindia.com/leptospirosis.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptospirosis

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