Description
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria called Leptospira which are found in warm climates in water that has been contaminated by animal urine. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. If the disease is not treated, the patient may develop kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, and respiratory distress. The condition can be fatal.
Symptoms
Once exposed to the bacteria most people will not have symptoms for at least 10 days. Symptoms include: abrupt onset of fever, shaking chills (rigors), muscle aches (myalgia), headache, dry cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bone or joint pain, sore throat, abdominal pain.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Antibodies to the bacteria are measured in the blood to establish the diagnosis. Tests will be performed to identify the organs involved and to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Antibody testing
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Antibodies to the bacteria are measured in the blood to establish the diagnosis. Tests will be performed to identify the organs involved and to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Antibody testing
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
Therapy depends on the severity of the infection. Antibiotics that may be effective for leptospirosis include: ampicillin, penicillin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, doxycycline, azithromycin and clarithromycin. In severe cases supportive care will be given such as intravenous fluids and mechanical ventilation.