Leptospirosis

Re-emerging as a result of increased international travel and climate changes elicited by global warming. Outbreaks have been associated with flooding and natural disasters.

Associated with occupational exposure, water sports, and flooding. Higher rates have been reported in tropical areas during rainy season and temperate regions during late summer.

Biphasic presentation. Can present with an extensive spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from subclinical illness in approximately 90% of cases to renal and hepatic failure and pulmonary haemorrhage.

Treatment includes antibiotics and supportive therapy.

A zoonosis with worldwide distribution, which represents a significant public-health problem.[1]Levett P. Leptospirosis. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone; 2006: 2495-2500.[2]Vijayachari P, Sugunan AP, Shriram AN. Leptospirosis: an emerging global, public health problem. J Biosci. 2008;33:557-569. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19208981?tool=bestpractice.com [3]Bharti AR, Nally JE, Ricaldi JN, et al. Leptospirosis: a zoonotic disease of global importance. Lancet Infect Dis. 2003;3:757-771. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14652202?tool=bestpractice.com [4]Faine S. Leptospira and leptospirosis. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1994.The infection is caused by motile spirochetes from the genus Leptospira and is maintained in nature by chronic renal infection of carrier animals.[1]Levett P. Leptospirosis. In: Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone; 2006: 2495-2500.[2]Vijayachari P, Sugunan AP, Shriram AN. Leptospirosis: an emerging global, public health problem. J Biosci. 2008;33:557-569. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19208981?tool=bestpractice.com