What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira. This microorganism is present in the urine or fluids of infected rats, dogs, and other animals, with skin with lesions and exposed mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) being the usual entry points for the bacteria.
It seems to be one of the most frequent zoonoses (infection transmitted to humans through animals) in the world. Animals that transmit it may have no symptoms.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Most infections with the leptospirosis bacterium have no (asymptomatic) or self-limiting symptoms. However, the main symptoms include:
- high fever
- headaches
- muscle aches and pains
- Chills
- Vomiting
- abdominal pain
- redness on the skin
- Red eyes
- yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
How is the bacterium transmitted?
The transmission of the bacterium that causes leptospirosis occurs from animals to humans (zoonotic transmission), when the bacterium enters the body through the exposed mucous membranes of the body (eyes, nose and mouth) or cuts and wounds on the skin.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with:
- urine or fluids from infected animals
- water or soil contaminated by leptospirosis bacteria
- ingestion of contaminated food or water by infected animals
- bite of an infected animal (very rarely)
There can also be human transmission, although it is rare. Cases of person-to-person transmission of the bacterium have been reported by contact sexual and breastfeeding.
What is the incubation period?
The incubation period of the bacterium ranges from 2 to 30 days (typically, 5 to 14 days).
What are the risk factors?
Leptospirosis is a disease whose risk of transmission increases in certain circumstances:
- Climate Risk:
- Tropical climates
- Temperate climates
- Flooding and heavy rains
- occupational risk, associated with workers who come into contact with animals or who work outdoors, namely:
- Farmworkers
- Veterinary
- Miners
- Slaughterhouse workers
- sanitation workers, mainly sewage workers
- Risk Activities:
- leisure activities or water sports in waters that do not guarantee sanitary treatment, such as fountains, lakes or rivers
- activities that can cause minor skin injury and exposure to water or soil, such as gardening without protective equipment
Is the risk of contracting leptospirosis higher for pregnant women?
yes. If you are pregnant, leptospirosis can cause fetal death or miscarriage. This can happen if the bacteria pass to the fetus through the placenta.
Can animals also be infected?
yes. Animals can be infected in the same way as humans, through the urine and fluids of infected animals that come into contact with exposed mucous membranes of the body or wounds and cuts. There can also be contamination inside the womb or during the birth of animals, especially in small rodents.
The animals that are usually hosts of the leptospirosis bacterium are:
- Rodents
- Dogs
- livestock, such as pigs, cows, horses, etc.
- wild animals like foxes and amphibians and reptiles
In the presence of symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, refusal to eat, body stiffness and weakness, you should contact your veterinarian. Generally, younger animals are more severely affected than older ones.
What are the complications of leptospirosis?
The most severe cases of the disease can cause:
- meningitis
- renal insufficiency
- hepatic insufficiency
- difficulty breathing
In more severe cases, it can even cause death.
Can leptospirosis leave sequelae?
In some cases, patients recover completely. However, others only recover after a few months or years and may have sequelae, namely:
-
chronic
- fatigue
- headache
- loss of strength or paralysis of limbs
- depression
Is it possible to prevent the disease?
The main ways to prevent leptospirosis involve avoiding contact with water that may be contaminated, animal urine and contact with potentially contaminated animals. In addition, it is recommended to:
- Treat and disinfect wounds and cuts on the skin thoroughly and protect with waterproof dressings
- Do not walk barefoot on the street
- ensure sanitary conditions and veterinary care of animals
- ensure pest control and maintain good sanitation of buildings and facilities
- Keep garbage in closed containers to prevent rat infestation
- Do not drink water without guarantees of sanitation (cleanliness)
Is there a vaccine for human use against leptospirosis?
No. There are only leptospirosis vaccines for animal use. These vaccines do not provide full protection because there are several types of leptospires. Even if the animal has already had leptospirosis, it should be vaccinated.
How is leptospirosis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of this infection is made by identifying symptoms suggestive of the disease and laboratory confirmation through a PCR test of the bacteria in the blood and/or urine.
What is the treatment of leptospirosis?
Treatment for leptospirosis is usually done by taking medications, either orally or intravenously (into a vein).
Source: Directorate-General for Health (DGS)