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SM SAI NS RAJ A TU N AZL AN SHA H: Human Health

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by contact with urine from infected animals like rodents, cattle, or pigs. It can cause a range of symptoms from mild flu-like symptoms to severe organ damage and death. People at highest risk include farmers, outdoor workers, recreational water-sports enthusiasts, and those exposed during floods. The bacteria enter through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Treatment involves antibiotics but prevention is best through protective equipment, clothing, vaccination of animals, and reducing rodent populations.

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64 views

SM SAI NS RAJ A TU N AZL AN SHA H: Human Health

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by contact with urine from infected animals like rodents, cattle, or pigs. It can cause a range of symptoms from mild flu-like symptoms to severe organ damage and death. People at highest risk include farmers, outdoor workers, recreational water-sports enthusiasts, and those exposed during floods. The bacteria enter through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes. Treatment involves antibiotics but prevention is best through protective equipment, clothing, vaccination of animals, and reducing rodent populations.

Uploaded by

sofea1121
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SM

SAI
NS
HUMAN
RAJ HEALTH:
AHUMAN DISEASE
TU(LEPTOSPIROSIS)
N
AZL
AN: NUR AISYA SOFEA BT
NAME
SHA MOHD SHAHRIZAL
H : 2 KEJORA
CLASS
INTRODUCTION:
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by corkscrew bacteria called Leptospira. Signs
and symptoms can range from none to mild such as headaches, muscle pains,
and fevers; to severe with bleeding from the lungs or meningitis. If the infection
causes the person to turn yellow, have kidney failure and bleeding, it is then known
as Weil's disease. If it also causes bleeding into the lungs then it is known as severe
pulmonary hemorrhage syndrome.

Up to 13 different genetic types of Leptospira may cause disease in


humans. It is transmitted by both wild and domestic animals. The most common
animals that spread the disease are rodents. It is often transmitted by animal urine or
by water or soil containing animal urine coming into contact with breaks in
the skin, eyes, mouth, or nose. In the developing world the disease most commonly
occurs in farmers and poor people who live in cities. In the developed world it most
commonly occurs in those involved in outdoor activities in warm and wet areas of the
world. Diagnosis is typically by looking for antibodiesagainst the bacterium or finding
its DNA in the blood.

Efforts to prevent the disease include protective equipment to prevent contact


when working with potentially infected animals, washing after this contact, and
reducing rodents in areas people live and work. The antibiotic doxycycline, when
used in an effort to prevent infection among travellers, is of unclear benefit. Vaccines
for animals exist for certain type of Leptospira which may decrease the risk of spread
to humans. Treatment if infected is with antibiotics such as: doxycycline, penicillin,
or ceftriaxone. Weil's disease and severe pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome result
in death rates greater than 10% and 50%, respectively, even with treatment.

It is estimated that seven to ten million people are infected by leptospirosis


per year. The number of deaths this causes is not clear. The disease is most
common in tropical areas of the world but may occur anywhere. Outbreaks may
occur in slums of the developing world. The disease was first described by
physician Adolf Weil in 1886 in Germany. Animals which are infected may have no
symptoms, mild symptoms, or severe symptoms. Symptoms may vary by the type of
animal. In some animals Leptospira live in the reproductive tract, leading to
transmission during mating.
INFECTION
The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected
animals, which can get into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months.
Many different kinds of wild and domestic animals carry the bacterium.

These can include, but are not limited to:

 Cattle
 Pigs
 Horses
 Dogs
 Rodents
 Wild animals

When these animals are infected, they may have no symptoms of the disease.

Infected animals may continue to excrete the bacteria into the environment
continuously or every once in a while for a few months up to several years.

Humans can become infected through:

 Contact with urine (or other body fluids, except saliva) from infected animals.
 Contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected
animals.

The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or
mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated
water can also cause infection. Outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by
exposure to contaminated water, such as floodwaters. Person to person
transmission is rare.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
In humans, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

 High fever
 Headache
 Chills
 Muscle aches
 Vomiting
 Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
 Red eyes
 Abdominal pain
 Diarrhea
 Rash

Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases. In addition, some
infected persons may have no symptoms at all.

The time between a person’s exposure to a contaminated source and becoming sick
is 2 days to 4 weeks. Illness usually begins abruptly with fever and other symptoms.
Leptospirosis may occur in two phases:

 After the first phase (with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, or
diarrhea) the patient may recover for a time but become ill again.
 If a second phase occurs, it is more severe; the person may have kidney or
liver failure or meningitis.

The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Without treatment, recovery
may take several months.

RISK OF EXPOSURE
Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is most common in temperate or tropical
climates. It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with
animals, such as:

 Farmers
 Mine workers
 Sewer workers
 Slaughterhouse workers
 Veterinarians and animal caretakers
 Fish workers
 Dairy farmers
 Military personnel

The disease has also been associated with swimming, wading, kayaking, and rafting
in contaminated lakes and rivers. As such, it is a recreational hazard for campers or
those who participate in outdoor sports. The risk is likely greater for those who
participate in these activities in tropical or temperate climates.

In addition, incidence of Leptospirosis infection among urban children appears to be


increasing.
PREVENTION
The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or
wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine, or eliminating contact
with potentially infected animals.

Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated


water or soil because of their job or recreational activities.

TREATMENT

Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which


should be given early in the course of the disease.
Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms.
Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a health care
provider.

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