Answered
In Infectious Diseases
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a particular type of bacteria called a spirochete. Leptospirosis can be transmitted by many animals such as rats, skunks, opos…sums, raccoons, foxes, and other vermin. It is transmitted though contact with infected soil or water. The soil or water is contaminated with the waste products of an infected animal. People contract the disease by either ingesting contaminated food or water or by broken skin and mucous membrane (eyes, nose, sinuses, mouth) contact with the contaminated water or soil. .
Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but it is most commonly acquired in the tropics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states 100-200 cases of leptospirosis are reported each year in the United States, with about 50% of cases occurring in Hawaii. .
How is leptospirosis treated? .
The treatment of leptospirosis involves high doses of antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment (doxycycline, penicillin) is most effective when initiated early in the course of the illness. Severely ill patients may need hospitalization for IV fluid and antibiotic treatment. Severe liver and kidney manifestations of the infection may require intensive medical care and sometimes dialysis treatment. However, even in severe cases, liver and kidney function often does return after recovery from the illness. .
Mortality rates for severe illness with leptospirosis can range from 5%-40%, depending on the severity of organ dysfunction and the patient's general health prior to infection. Most previously healthy patients will make a full recovery. .
A vaccine for leptospirosis is available and used in Europe and Asia. It must be given every year like a flu shot. It is not currently available in the United States. Travelers who are going to an area where leptospirosis is common and who will be engaged in activities that increase likelihood of exposure, can take 200 mg of doxycyline per week by mouth starting before and during the time period of potential exposure. .
Leptospirosis was a reportable disease in the United States, but it was removed from the national CDC list of reportable diseases. It is, however, still reportable in some states, most notably Hawaii. ( Full Answer )