Introduction
leptospira
Obligate
aerobic bacteria, Characteristic hooked ends (like a question mark, thus the
species epithet –interrogans), are not stained with dyes but are seen by dark
field microscopy, they are actively motile. Prefer to multiply in wet
environment. Can survive for weeks in water, particularly at alkaline PH, Long
thin finely coiled and motile with hooked at one or both ends. Genus is grouped
by serologic and Pathogenicity. Two species: Leptospira interrogans (Pathogenic
for many animals). Leptospira biflexa (Non - pathogenic and free living). They
do not stain with aniline dyes, Susceptible to adverse conditions (dehydration,
detergent and high temp. Readily cultivated in special media (Long chain FA,
Vitamin B1 and B2 containing media).
Derive energy from oxidation of long-chain fatty acids and cannot use
amino acids or CHOs as major energy source.
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis
is rare bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. It passes from
animals to humans, which happens when broken skin or an open wound comes into
contact with animal urine or water contaminated with animal feces, caused by
the bacteria genus leptospira, the condition can end up developing into
meningitis or Weil’s disease, which are serious and can prove fetal.
Leptospirosis does not move from person to person, leptospirosis is a
widespread disease that can be contracted via direct contact with infected
animal urine, or by ingesting water or food infected with the bacteria. Most
cases result in symptoms similar to influenza, but some extreme cases can be
fatal. The black berkey purification elements have been tested to reduce
leptospira bacteria by 99.6% or higher at contamination levels much higher than
found in nature.
Leptospirosis can be classified into two main types
1. Anicteric leptospirosis:
Anicteric
leptospirosis represents the milder, more common form, accounting for about
90-95% of cases. This version typically presents as a flu-like illness without
jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes ). Most people with this form recover
completely, sometimes without ever knowing they had leptospirosis specifically.
2. Icteric leptospirosis:
Icteric
leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s disease, is the severe form that occurs in
5-10% of infected individuals this version involves multiple organ systems,
particularly the liver, kidneys, and brain, often accompanied by jaundice. It
carries a significantly mortality rate of 5-15%, compared to less than 1%, for
the milder form.
Sign and
symptoms of leptospirosis
Leptospirosis
typically progresses through two distinct phases:
The first
phase, known as the
septicemic phase, begins after the incubation period and lasts about 3-7 days.
This initial phase starts suddenly with fever, often reaching 38.9-40C. Muscle
pain represents another hallmark symptoms, classically affecting the calf and
lower back muscles so severely.
Second
phase: Usually lasts 3 or more weeks, May present as
an aseptic meningitis, Sudden onset of head ache, maylagia, chills, abdominal
pain, and conjunctivitis. It progress to
vascular collapse, thrombocytopenia, hemorrhage, and hepatic and renal
dysfunction.
Mode of transmission leptospira
Direct and
indirect contact with organisms (urine contaminated fresh water, soil and mud).
Handling infected animals, Moist and neutral PH suitable for the bacterial
survival outside the host. The organism enter to the host break skin, intact
mucous membrane (mouth, nose, conjunctivae), Ingestion is considered to be less
important and human to human transmission extremely rare.
Haw to diagnoses leptospira
Microscopy: Light microscope is not useful
(since they are very thin cannot be seen).
Dark filed, silver stain and direct immunofluorescence microscopy may be
used. Culture: Blood, CSF, or urine can be cultured on Fletcher’s medium
or others. It may take >6weeks for growth. Animal inoculation:
Intraperitoneal injection of guinea pigs will increase positivity.
Treatment of leptospira
- Penicillin
- Tetracycline
- Amoxicillin
Control & prevention of leptospira
Avoidance to contact with
contaminated water sources, rodent / mice control.
Conclusion
Leptospira is a spiral-shaped bacterium that
causes leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease affecting both humans and animals. The
infection is primarily transmitted through contact with water or soil
contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Early diagnosis and appropriate
antibiotic treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications such as kidney
and liver damage. Preventive measures, including proper sanitation, rodent
control, and avoiding contaminated water, play an essential role in reducing
the spread of leptospirosis.
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