Leptospirosis

Definition

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. The disease affects virtually all mammals and has a broad range of clinical effects, producing infection to multiple-organ failure and death.

Etiology

Leptospira are aerobic gram-negative apirochetes that are fastidious, slow growing, and have characteristic corkscrew-like motility. Pathogenic leptospires are now identified in 9 species of leptospira, for example L. kirschneri serovar Grippotyphosa.

Host susceptibility, epidemiology and transmission

All the domestic animals are suceptibles (companion animals and livestock), although historically the cats are considered to be resistant to disease. Leptospirosis in wildlife is common, although the disease is noticed only when the animals serve as a source of infection for domestic animals o people.

The disease is found thoughout the world, it is more seasonal with highest incidence after periods of rainfall. Maintenance hosts often wildlife species and, sometimes, domestic animals and livestock.

Pathogenesis

Leptospires invade the body after penetrating exposed mucous membranes or damages skin. After a variable incubation period(4-20 days) leptospires circulate in the blood and replicated in many tissues including the liver, kidney, lung, genital tract and CNS for 7-10 day. During the period of bacteremia occurs and coincide with clearance of the leptospires from blood and most organs.

Clinical Findings

In incidental host, leptospirosis is an acute, systemic, often febrile illness characterized by renal and/or hepatic damage. there are other problems like uveitis, pancreatitis, bleeding, hemolytic anemia, muscle pain or respiratory disease, fetal infection, with subsequent abortion, stillbirth, birth of weak nonates, or birth of weak neonates.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of leptospirosis depends on a good clinical and vaccination history and laboratory testing. Diagnostic test for leptospirosis include those designed to detect antibodies against the organism and those designed to detect the organism in tissue or body fluids.

Prevention

Avoidance of exposure to fre-ranging wildlife and domestic animals that may be maintenance hosts for Leptospira is difficult because rodents, raccons, opossums, and skunks are frequently found in rural and urban environments. Leptospiral vaccines are generally designed and evaluated for the ability to prevent clinical signs of disease, although some vaccines have also been shown to significantly reduce renal colonization and urine shedding.

Zoonotic Risk

People are suceptible to infection, recreational exposure to waters contaminated with urine ofdomestic animals or wildlife presents a risk. the principal route of infection is contac with infectious body fluids(blood in acute cases or urine) via mucus membranes. In people, the disease varies from subclinical to severe and can be fatal when renal or hepatic failure occurs. The most common signs are fever, headaches, rash, ocular pain, myalgia, and malaise. Transplacental infection, abortion, and infection of infants via breast feeding have been described, making exposure of pregnant women of particular concern.

Reprinted of https://bothellveterinarian.wordpress.com/2015/10/01/about-leptospirosis/

Although an infected pet dog presents a low risk of infection for you and your family, there is still some risk. If your dog has ben diagnosed with leptospirosis, take the following precautions to protect yourself:

• • Administer antibiotics as prescribed by your veterinarian;

  • Avoid contact with your dog’s urine;

  • If your dog urinates in your home, quickly clean the area with a household disinfectant and wear gloves to avoid skin contact with the urine;

  • Encourage your dog to urinate away from standing water or areas where people or other animals will have access;

  • Wash your hands after handling your pet.

If you are ill or if you have questions about leptospirosis in people, consult your physician. If you are pregnant or immunocompromised (due to medications, cancer treatment, HIV or other conditions), consult your physician for advice.

Bibliography

Lun, K. Overview of leptospira. In: http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/generalized_conditions/leptospirosis/overview_of_leptospirosis.html

URL: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Leptospirosis.aspx

URL: https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/Lepto_Sp.pdf