Sandbox:Leptospirosis
Overview
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disorder with ubiquitous distribution, caused by Leptospira species.
Historical Perspective
Association of renal failure with icteric leptospirosis, was first reported over 100 years ago and described by Adolf Weil.
Pathophysiology
The disease leptospirosis involves a spectrum of symptoms ranging from subclinical infection to a severe syndrome of multiorgan infection with high mortality and Weil’s disease represents only the most severe presentation. Severe leptospirosis is frequently caused by serovars of the icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup. The presentation of leptospirosis is biphasic, with the acute or septicemic phase lasting about a week, followed by the immune phase, characterized by antibody production and excretion of leptospires in the urine.[1]
Causes
Severe leptospirosis is frequently caused by serovars of the icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Overview
During the past few decades, leptospirosis has become seriously neglected, especially in countries located in the temperate climate zone. The main reasons for this situation are probably: 1) a relatively low number of cases noted in humans and animals living in the temperate climate zone; 2) established, quite effective methods of therapy and prevention of the disease; 3) seemingly well-determined epidemiologic situation concerning the disease.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Prevalence
Incidence
Case Fatality Rate
Age
Gender
Developed Countries
Developing Countries
Natural History, Complications & Prognosis
Natural History
Complications
Complications of leptospirosis are associated with localization of pathogen(Leptospires) within the tissues during the immune phase, eventually present during the second week of the illness.
Daignosis
History & Symptoms
The clinical presentation of leptospirosis is biphasic, with the acute or septicemic phase lasting about a week, followed by the immune phase, characterized by antibody production and excretion of leptospires in the urine.[1]