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Leptospirosis
Medical Questions » Leptospirosis
| Name: Leptospirosis |
| Also known as: |
| A bacterial infection of the liver and other organs. |
Causes of Leptospirosis
The bacteria are caught from infected cattle and pigs by abattoir workers, veterinarians and farmers. In third-world countries, dogs and rats may also be carriers. The bacteria enter through minor abrasions or by being swallowed. The incubation period varies from three days to three weeks. |
Symptoms of Leptospirosis
A sudden high fever, headache, stomach pain, muscle aches and inflamed eyes. After a couple of days, these symptoms disappear, and the second stage of the infection commences which lasts for one to four weeks, and the patient complains of swollen lymph nodes, a generalized rash, eye pain, and in severe cases yellowing of the skin (jaundice). |
Tests for Leptospirosis
Diagnosis confirmed by a specific blood test. |
Treatment for Leptospirosis
Antibiotics such as penicillin are prescribed, but sometimes they have remarkably little effect. Careful nursing is important. The disease can usually be prevented by taking a doxycycline antibiotic tablet once a week.
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Complications of Leptospirosis of its treatment
The second stage may cause permanent liver damage and Well Syndrome. |
Likely Outcome of Leptospirosis
Usually cured by correct treatment, but if jaundice develops, the death rate may be as high as 10%. |
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