provides a comprehensive look at the
who, what, when and how of Leptospirosis
< b>Leptospirosis: An infectious disease caused by a particular type of bacteria
called a spirochete transmitted by rats as well as by skunks, opossums, raccoons,
foxes, and other vermin. Leptospirosis occurs worldwide but is most commonly acquired
in the tropics. About 100 cases of leptospirosis are reported each year in the US.
The disease is becoming a greater risk as more people travel to undeveloped areas
of the world. (Athletes who participated in the Eco-Challenge-Sabah 2000 multisport
expedition in Borneo, Malaysia, in August 2000 contracted leptospirosis after coming
in contact with the Segama River.).
Symptoms begin from 2 to 25 days after, initial direct exposure to the urine or
tissue of an infected animal. This can even occur via contaminated soil or water.
Veterinarians and farm workers are at particularly high risk.
The illness typically progresses through three phases. The first phase of symptoms
includes headaches, muscle aches, eye pain with bright lights, followed by chills
and fever. Watering and redness of the eyes occur and symptoms seem to improve by
day 5 to 9. The second phase of illness begins after a few days of feeling pretty
well. The initial symptoms recur with fever and aching with stiffness of the neck.
Some patients develop serious inflammation of the nerve to the eye, brain, spinal
column (meningitis), or other nerves. The final third phase, from 2 to 4 weeks after
the initial infection, features recurrent fever and muscle aching.
Leptospirosis with liver disease is called Weil's syndrome and is characterized
by yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) from liver disease. Patients with Weil's syndrome
can also develop kidney disease and have more serious involvement of the organs
affected.
Treatment involves high doses of antibiotics which are most effective when initiated
early in the course of the illness. Doxycycline and penicillin are examples of antibiotics
commonly used.
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