Leptospirosis: causes, treatment and prevention of dangerous infection

Leptospirosis is not the most well–known, but a rather dangerous infectious disease that is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. It affects both animals and humans, and can occur in various forms – from mild flu-like to severe, with damage to the liver, kidneys and the development of jaundice (Weil's disease).
The danger of leptospirosis is that its initial symptoms can easily be confused with acute respiratory viral infections or the flu, and untimely treatment and lack of specific treatment can lead to serious complications and even death. It is important to know about this infection, especially for those who live in rural areas, have contact with animals or like to relax by the water.
Where does the infection come from?
The main carriers and reservoir of leptospira in nature are rodents (rats, mice), as well as domestic and agricultural animals (dogs, pigs, cattle). The animals themselves may suffer from leptospirosis or be asymptomatic carriers, releasing bacteria from the urine into the external environment.
Humans become infected most often through contact with water (especially stagnant water – ponds, lakes, puddles), soil, or products contaminated with urine from infected animals. Leptospira can enter the body through damaged skin (scratches, abrasions), mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, as well as when drinking contaminated water or food. Human-to-human infection is almost non-existent.
How to recognize leptospirosis?
The incubation period is usually from 7 to 14 days, but it can vary. The disease begins acutely, with a sharp rise in temperature to 39-40 ° C, severe chills, headache and severe muscle pain, especially in the calf muscles. This is the so-called flu-like phase.
Further, other symptoms may occur, depending on the form of the disease:
- Jaundice. Yellowing of the skin, sclera of the eyes (with liver damage).
- Kidney failure. Decrease in the amount of urine, edema.
- Hemorrhagic syndrome. Hemorrhages on the skin, nosebleeds (due to vascular damage).
- Meningeal symptoms. Severe headache, stiffness of the occipital muscles (with damage to the meninges).
Diagnosis of leptospirosis is based on the clinical picture, epidemiological data (contact with water, animals) and laboratory tests (blood and urine tests for the presence of leptospira or antibodies to them).
Treatment and prevention: what to do?
If leptospirosis is suspected, immediate hospitalization is necessary. The basis of treatment is antibacterial therapy. The earlier treatment with antibiotics (usually penicillin-type, doxycycline) is started, the higher the chances of recovery without complications. Detoxification and symptomatic therapy is also performed, aimed at supporting the functions of the affected organs (liver, kidneys).
Prevention of leptospirosis includes several areas:
- Control of rodents. Deratization in residential buildings, warehouses, and livestock farms.
- Veterinary control. Vaccination of domestic and farm animals, monitoring their health.
- Personal hygiene. Thorough hand washing after contact with animals and earth. The use of protective clothing and shoes when working in potentially dangerous conditions (agriculture, animal care).
- Safety on the water. Avoid swimming in unknown stagnant bodies of water, especially if rodents or livestock may live there. Do not drink water from open sources.
Protecting food and water sources from rodents also plays an important role.
Be vigilant
Leptospirosis is a serious disease that is easier to prevent than to treat. Taking precautions, especially in the summer and when in contact with nature or animals, will help reduce the risk of infection.
If you experience flu-like symptoms, especially after swimming in reservoirs or contact with rodents, do not self-medicate, but contact your doctor immediately, be sure to inform him about possible risk factors. Timely diagnosis and treatment is the key to a successful recovery. genieplay Greece