Overview Of Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infection. It occurs when you come in contact with leptospira bacteria.
Commonly Associated With
Weil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd’s disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever
Causes Of Leptospirosis
These bacteria can be found in freshwater that has been soiled by animal urine. You may get infected if you come in contact with an infected animal. The infection occurs in warmer climates. Leptospirosis is not spread from person to person, except in very rare cases.
Risk factors include:
- Occupational exposure — farmers, ranchers, slaughterhouse workers, trappers, veterinarians, loggers, sewer workers, rice field workers, and military personnel
- Recreational activities — freshwater swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and trail biking in warm areas
- Household exposure — pet dogs, domesticated livestock, rainwater catchment systems, and infected rodents
- Weil disease, a severe form of leptospirosis, is rare in the continental United States. Hawaii has the highest number of cases in the United States.
Symptoms Of Leptospirosis
Symptoms can take 2 to 26 days (average 10 days) to develop, and may include:
Less common symptoms of leptospirosis include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Bone pain
- Conjunctivitis
- Enlarged lymph glands
- Enlarged spleen or liver
- Joint aches
- Muscle rigidity
- Muscle tenderness
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
Exams & Tests
The blood is tested for antibodies to the bacteria that causes leptospirosis.
Other tests that may be done:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Creatine kinase
- Liver enzymes
- Urinalysis
- Blood cultures
Treatment Of Leptospirosis
Medicines for treatment include:
- Ampicillin
- Azithromycin
- Ceftriaxone
- Cefotaxime
- Doxycycline
- Penicillin
- Complicated or serious cases may need supportive care. You may need treatment in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU).
