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Leptospirosis
Weil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd's disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever
Leptospirosis is an infection. It occurs when you come in contact with leptospira bacteria.
Causes
These bacteria can be found in fresh water that has been soiled by animal urine. You may get infected if you come in contact with an infected animal. The infection occurs in warmer climates. Leptospirosis is not spread from person to person, except in very rare cases.
Risk factors include:
- Occupational exposure -- farmers, ranchers, slaughterhouse workers, trappers, veterinarians, loggers, sewer workers, rice field workers, and military personnel
- Recreational activities -- fresh water swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and trail biking in warm areas
- Household exposure -- pet dogs, domesticated livestock, rainwater catchment systems, and infected rodents
Weil disease is rare in the continental United States. Hawaii has the highest number of cases in the United States.
Symptoms
Symptoms can take 2 to 26 days (average 10 days) to develop, and may include:
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Shaking chills
Less common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal lung sounds
- Bone pain
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Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis
The conjunctiva is a clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis occurs when the conjunctiva becomes...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Enlarged lymph glands
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Enlarged spleen
or liver
Enlarged spleen
Splenomegaly is a larger-than-normal spleen. The spleen is an organ in the upper left part of the belly.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Joint aches
- Muscle rigidity
- Muscle tenderness
- Skin rash
- Sore throat
Exams and Tests
The blood is tested for antibodies to the bacteria.
Other tests that may be done:
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Complete blood count
(CBC)
Complete blood count
A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The tota...
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Creatine kinase
Creatine kinase
Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) is an enzyme in the body. It is found mainly in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscle. This article discusses the test...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Liver enzymes
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Urinalysis
Urinalysis
Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Blood cultures
Treatment
Medicines to treat leptospirosis include:
- Ampicillin
- Azithromycin
- Ceftriaxone
- Cefotaxime
- Doxycycline
- Penicillin
Complicated or serious cases may need supportive care. You may need treatment in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU).
Outlook (Prognosis)
The outlook is generally good. However, a complicated case can be fatal if it is not treated promptly.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction when penicillin is given
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Meningitis
Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Severe bleeding
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your health care provider if you have any symptoms of, or risk factors for, leptospirosis.
Prevention
Avoid areas of stagnant water, especially in tropical climates. If you are exposed to a high risk area take precaution to avoid infection. You can take doxycycline or amoxicillin to decrease the risk.
References
Haake DA, Levett PN. Leptospira species (leptospirosis). In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Updated Edition . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 241.
Muehlenbachs A, Zaki SR. Leptospirosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 323.
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Antibodies - illustration
Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.
Antibodies
illustration
-
Antibodies - illustration
Antigens are large molecules (usually proteins) on the surface of cells, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and some non-living substances such as toxins, chemicals, drugs, and foreign particles. The immune system recognizes antigens and produces antibodies that destroy substances containing antigens.
Antibodies
illustration
Review Date: 8/22/2016
Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
