Properties

Pathogenesis

Clinical findings

Laboratory diagnosis

Treatment & Prevention

Tightly coiled, fine spirochetes.

Not stained with dyes.

Seen by dark-field microscopy.

Transmission:

- infect rats, rodents & domestic livestock.

- animals excrete leptospiras in urine which contaminates water & soil.

- swimming in contaminated waters or consuming contaminated food or drink can result in human infection.

- miners, farmers & sewerage workers at high risk.

- person-to-person transmission is rare.

Human infection results:

- when leptospiras are ingested.

- pass through mucous membranes or skin.

- circulate in blood

- multiply in various organs.

Illness is typically biphasis.

Septicaemic phase:

- fevers

- chills

- intense headaches

- rash

- conjunctival infection.

Immune phase:

- aseptic meningitis.

- liver damage (jaundice).

- impaired kidney function.

- hemorrhages.

- Weil’s disease: may be fatal.

Microscopy: DGI of blood, urine.

Usually by serology.

Antibiotic: penicillin G.

Prophylaxis: doxycycline is effective in preventing disease in exposed persons.