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Leptospirosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Antibodies
Antibodies

Alternative Names    Return to top

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

Definition    Return to top

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

Causes    Return to top

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:

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

Symptoms    Return to top

Symptoms can take 2 - 26 days (average 10 days) to develop, and may include:

Less common symptoms include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The blood is tested for antibodies to the bacteria.

Other tests that may be done:

Treatment    Return to top

Medications to treat leptospirosis include:

Complicated cases will need supportive care.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

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

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Contact your health care provider if you have any symptoms of, or risk factors for leptospirosis.

Prevention    Return to top

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    Return to top

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

Update Date: 8/3/2008

Updated 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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