Pronounced: lep-to-spy-RO-sis
Leptospirosis is a rare and contagious bacterial infection that can very serious. The infection is caused by the bacterium called Leptospira . Leptospirosis is most common in warm, tropical conditions and can affect any part of the body. With prompt and proper treatment, prognosis is usually good. If untreated, complications may develop that can potentially be fatal.
Leptospirosis is caused by contact with fresh water, wet or dampened soil, or vegetation that has been soiled by urine from an infected animal.
When contact is made with the contaminated material, the bacteria enter the body through open sores or wounds in the skin, or through mucous membranes. People can also contract leptospirosis by drinking water that has been contaminated by the urine of an infected animal.
Once the bacterium has entered the body, it flows into the bloodstream and throughout the body, causing infection.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Anyone can contract leptospirosis, but the following people are at an increased risk of developing leptospirosis:
Symptoms typically appear about 10 days after infection and may include one or more of the following:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
To help reduce your chances of getting leptospirosis, take the following steps:
RESOURCES:
The Leptospirosis Information Center
http://www.leptospirosis.org
US National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
Capital Health
http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/
References:
Leptospirosis. Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/leptospirosis_g.htm . Accessed April 19, 2007.
Leptospirosis (Weil's disease). New York State Department of Health website. Available at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/leptospirosis/fact_sheet.htm . Accessed April 19, 2007.
MacAllister C. Leptospirosis. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service website. Available at: http://osuextra.okstate.edu/pdfs/F-9130web.pdf . Accessed April 19, 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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