Health Encyclopedia

Leptospirosis

Definition

Leptospirosis is a rare, severe, and contagious bacterial infection.

Alternative Names

Weil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd's disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Leptospirosis is caused by exposure to several types of the Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in fresh water that has been contaminated by animal urine. It occurs in warmer climates.

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.

Leptospirosis is rare in the continental U.S. Hawaii has the highest number of cases in the U.S.

Symptoms

Symptoms can take 2 - 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
Conjunctivitis
Enlarged lymph glands
Enlarged spleen or liver
Joint aches
Muscle rigidity
Muscle tenderness
Skin rash
Sore throat

Signs and tests

The blood is tested for antibodies to the bacteria.

Other tests that may be done:

Treatment

Medications to treat leptospirosis include:

Chloramphenicol
Erythromycin
Penicillins
Tetracyclines

Complicated cases will need supportive care.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outlook is generally good. However, a complicated case can be life-threatening if it is not treated promptly.

Complications

Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction when penicillin is given
Meningitis
Severe bleeding

Calling your health care provider

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, taking doxycycline may decrease your risk of developing disease.

References

Ko AI. Leptospirosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 344.

Review Date:8/3/2008
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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