Leptospirosis : Symptoms, Diagnosis And more

Leptospirosis is generally described as a rare bacterial infection which we get usually from the animals. This disease spreads through animal urine, especially from dogs, rodents, and farm animals. Usually, animals don’t have any symptoms but they can act as carriers.

In most of the leptospirosis cases, which is unpleasant but not life-threatening, which is like a flu case. Rarely, this disease can last more than a week. When you get a severe form of leptospirosis, only 10% of the time will get better but you can get sick again. Also called Weil’s disease , it can cause more serious health issues like chest pain and swollen arms and legs because of the infection. Most oftenly, it requires hospitalization.

Symptoms of leptospirosis in humans?

Some of the people face flu-like symptoms  but some members do not have any symptoms at all. But in severe cases of leptospirosis, you have symptoms like internal bleeding and organ damage.

In acute phase of leptospirosis, symptoms will come suddenly which includes:

• High fever.

• Red eyes (conjunctival injection).

• Headache.

• Chills.

• Muscle aches.

• Abdominal pain.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Diarrhea.

• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice).

• Rash.

Severe form of leptospirosis or Weil’s syndrome symptoms might be start after 3 to 10 days which includes:

• Hemoptysis - Coughing up blood 

• Chest pain.

• Trouble breathing.

• Severe yellowing of your skin or eyes.

• Stool - Black, tarry poop

• Hematuria - Blood in your pee

• Urinate - Decrease in the amount you pee

• Petechiae - Flat, red spots on your skin that look like a rash

What causes leptospirosis?

Usually, leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria called Leptospira. Leptospira bacteria enter your body through your mouth , nose or eyes or else it can enter through breaks in your skin. These bacteria travels through your blood to your organs, which collects in kidneys (the organ which cleanse your blood)

Your kidneys will help you to get rid of unwanted or toxic matter in your pee or urine. Generally, these bacteria leave your body from the kidney through your pee, which will spread the leptospirosis disease to other people or animals. 

Leptospirosis Transmission

Usually, Leptospirosis spreads to humans from animal pee which highly contains the bacteria called Leptospira. Any mammal species like rats, dogs, horses, pigs or cows can get leptospirosis. Typically, they experience few or no more symptoms of disease.

Animals who get leptospirosis infection can contaminate water or soil which usually spread the bacteria to other animals and humans. You can get leptospirosis through:

• If you directly touch pee (urine) or other body fluids from an animal with leptospirosis infection.

• Or else getting contact with contaminated water or soil and if you put your hand in eyes, nose or mouth or in a skin exposure without washing your hands.

Most people get leptospirosis at once after heavy rains and flooding. The floodwaters bring the bacteria with them which can travel into rivers, lakes and canals.

Leptospirosis is a rare contagious disease from one human to another human.

Am I at risk of leptospirosis?

Yes, there is risk for people who had contact with infected animals or contaminated soil/water where the bacteria are present.

Some of the occupations at higher risk of infection which includes:

• farmers , particularly dairy farmers

• veterinarians

• abattoir workers.

Some of the activities which is highly associated with a higher risk of infection include:

• swimming

• other water sports (e.g. white water rafting)

• camping

• gardening.

How is leptospirosis diagnosed?

Your healthcare professional will diagnose the people with leptospirosis by physical examination, blood tests and urine tests. And also your physician asks about your symptoms, and your recent travel history and whether you could have been in contact with any contaminated things. If you have severe form, you may have a chest X-ray or CT scan.

Clinical Tests

Blood or urine tests. Your healthcare provider will get a blood sample from your arm with a small needle or you will take a urine sample in a cup. In the lab, test the samples for signs of  Leptospira.

Imaging. If you are facing a severe form of leptospirosis disease, your physician will suggest a chest X-ray, CT scan or other imaging. They will use a machine to take pictures of the inside of your body to look for organ damages.

Treatment

Your physician will treat the leptospirosis disease with antibiotic medications. If the people with leptospirosis have a mild case then they may keep an eye on your symptoms if you get better without treatment.

If you have a severe form of leptospirosis disease, you must stay in a hospital. Your physician will give you antibiotics through an IV which brings medicine to your blood. You may need additional medical procedures which usually depend on which of your organs get affected.

Prevention

One of the best ways to prevent leptospirosis disease is by avoiding swimming or wading in contaminated water where the animals pee in. usually in floodwaters. Some of the other ways you can reduce your risk by:

• You should take preventive medications, if you are travelling at high risk for leptospirosis, ask your physician about medications which helps to keep from getting you sick from prophylaxis

• You should avoid animals that may have leptospirosis

• If you work with or around animals, you should wear protective clothes and shoes

• If you have to be in contact with contaminated water or soil, you should wear protective shoes and clothes.

• You must avoid water sports and swimming in lakes and rivers after the outbreak of flood.

• You should drink only treated water. You don’t drink water from lakes, rivers and canals without boiling it.

• You should wear gloves if you have to touch dead animals. You should not touch the dead animals with bare hands without any gloves.

• You should cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof dressing

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How treatable is leptospirosis?

Ans: Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics.

Q2. How is leptospirosis diagnosed?

Ans: The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are two serologic tests used for laboratory diagnosis of leptospirosis.

Q3. Who is most at risk for leptospirosis?

Ans: It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with animals, such as: Farmers. Mine workers. Sewer workers.

Q4. Can you fully recover from leptospirosis?

Ans: Leptospirosis is usually self-limiting. Most cases recover fully within two to six weeks but some may take up to three months.

Q5. Does leptospirosis need surgery?

Ans: There are no surgical procedures for the leptospirosis treatment.