Leptospirosis

>> Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals.

>> It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.
>> In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other
diseases. Some infected persons, however, may have no symptoms at all.
>> Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the
membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
INFECTION
>> The bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals, which can get
into water or soil and can survive there for weeks to months. Many different kinds of wild and domestic
animals carry the bacterium. These can include, but are not limited to:

Cattle

Pigs

Horses

Dogs

Rodents

Wild animals

Humans can become infected through:

contact with urine (or other body fluids, except saliva) from infected animals

contact with water, soil, or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

High fever

Headache

Chills

Muscle aches

Vomiting

Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)

Red eyes

Abdominal Pain

Diarrhea

Rash

TREATMENT
Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in
the course of the disease.
Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms. Persons with
symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a health care provider.
PREVENTION
The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that
might be contaminated with animal urine, or eliminating contact with potentially infected animals.
Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because
of their job or recreational activities.
LATEST PROGRAM
Prevention and Control of Lepstospirosis (LepCon) in the Philippines
The College of Public Health (CPH) of the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), which is also the
SEAMEO-TropMed Regional Centre for Public Health, Hospital Administration, and Environmental and
Occupational Health has started a 5-year program on the Prevention and Control of Leptospirosis
(LepCon) in the Philippines last April 1, 2010.
This project is in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Kyushu
University (KU), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST).
The contents of the collaborative research covered in the project are:
(1)determination of the situation of leptospirosis through epidemiological studies,
(2)development and evaluation of rapid diagnostic kit for leptospirosis,

(3)search for DNA vaccines to prevent leptospirosis in animals, and (4)enhancement of advocacy
activities regarding the prevention and control of leptospirosis.