Leptospirosis

>> Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals.

>> It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

>> In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other

diseases. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all.

>> Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the

membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

LATEST PROGRAM

Prevention and Control of Lepstospirosis (LepCon) in the Philippines

The College of Public Health (CPH) of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), which is also the

SEAMEO-TropMed Regional Centre for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and

Occupational Health has started a 5-year program on the Prevention and Control of Leptospirosis

(LepCon) in the Philippines last April 1, 2010.

This project is in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kyushu

University (KU), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Science and Technology

(DOST).

The contents of the collaborative research covered in the project are:

(1)determination of the situation of leptospirosis through epidemiological studies,

(2)development and evaluation of rapid diagnostic kit for leptospirosis,

 

(3)search for DNA vaccines to prevent leptospirosis in animals, and (4)enhancement of advocacy

activities regarding the prevention and control of leptospirosis.