Leptospirosis Custom Search Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria which belong to the group of spirochetes so called because of their spiral (coiled) shape. The disease is a zoonosis which means it primarily affects animals. Human beings are accidentally infected when they come into contact with water contaminated with urine of infected animals. Rats are the usual culprits but other animals can also spread the disease (dogs, pigs and cattle) Farmers, soldiers, abattoir workers and sewer workers are at increased risk of contracting the disease. Swimming in contaminated water is another risk factor. The organisms can enter the body through skin or respiratory tract. Leptospira bacteria as seen under microscope
Symptoms and signs: After an incubation period of about 10 days the disease starts with fever, chills, headache, pain in limbs and redness of eyes. There may be sore throat and enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck. The disease often runs a biphasic course with apparent recovery for 2-3 days after about a week of illness. Fever reappears associated with headache body ache nausea and vomiting. Some patients may suffer from delirium or coma due to involvement of the nervous system. Involvement of kidneys may result in hematuria (passing of blood in urine) and decreased output of urine in severe cases. Liver involvement can cause jaundice and pain over right upper abdomen. Skin rash may be seen is some patients. Bleeding into the skin can occur due to inflammation of blood vessels. Laboratory findings: The white blood cell is elevated. Serum bilirubin and liver enzymes are elevated when the live in affected. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is markedly increased. Specific antibodies may be demonstrated usually after the first week of illness. Treatment: Intravenous Penicillin is the drug of choice. It should be given at least for one week. Other supportive and symptomatic measures include medication for fever and intravenous fluids if vomiting is severe. Renal failure may require dialysis. Some patients are allergic to penicillin and such patients may be given Amoxycillin or Erythromycin if the disease is mild. Those who are serious may be given Ceftriaxone but this is not as effective as Penicillin. Custom Search
Page last reviewed on 5th November 2009
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