Fear the Fever? Understanding the Hidden Dangers and Causes of Leptospirosis Disease

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. Contact with animal urine or polluted soil and water are the most typical ways humans get infected with this bacterium. Although leptospirosis is a global disease, it is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Leptospirosis symptoms include liver failure, respiratory distress, meningitis, and kidney damage (nephrosis), all of which are serious health conditions. A blood or urine sample must be tested in a laboratory for a conclusive diagnosis of leptospirosis, and early identification is crucial since the infection can cause major problems if treatment is delayed. Let us take an in-depth look at the causes, treatment, and hidden danger of this disease so that you can take precautions when necessary.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a type of bacterial infection transmitted through animal urine. Domestic animals, dogs, and rats spread the disease even though they don't exhibit any symptoms of the infection. Leptospirosis is often uncomfortable but not fatal, similar to the common flu, and usually it lasts little more than a week. However, researchers have observed that in about 10% of cases, a severe case of leptospirosis will heal, only to reappear in the patient. This condition is known as Weil's illness, and it can result in far more serious problems including swelling limbs and legs and chest discomfort, and often entails a visit to the hospital.

There are two stages of leptospirosis - the leptospiremic phase and the immune phase. During the leptospiremic phase, flu-like symptoms may appear suddenly. Usually, this begins in two to fourteen days following a leptospira infection and lasts for three to ten days. The Leptospira bacteria stay in your blood circulation at this phase and make their way to your organs.

When the immune phase comes, the Leptospira bacteria have already spread from your blood to your organs. The kidneys, which produce urine, are where the bacterium is most concentrated, and tests on your urine will reveal the presence of the bacteria, and a blood test will show Leptospira antibodies. During this period, leptospirosis symptoms occur, and some people will develop severe Weil's syndrome. Internal bleeding, renal damage, and jaundice are the most common symptoms of Weil's syndrome.

Leptospirosis Causes

Leptospirosis is brought on by a bacterium known as Leptospira interrogans, which resides in the kidneys of many animals. The main cause of leptospirosis infection in humans is coming in contact with water contaminated by the urine of these mammals. The leptospirosis bacteria might enter your body through scratches and open wounds, but in some cases, it may enter through your mouth, nose, or genitalia.

If you are outside or near animals for extended periods of time, your chances of contracting the disease are increased. Farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers have a higher chance of getting this infection. In addition, another major cause of leptospirosis infection is swimming or rafting in contaminated lakes and other water bodies.

Leptospirosis Treatment

If your condition is mild, doctors might ask you to monitor your symptoms to see if you improve naturally without medical intervention. However, if you start showing severe symptoms, common treatments will be prescribed.

• Antibiotics: this is the most common leptospirosis treatment and your doctor will probably describe doxycycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin-G, and ceftriaxone. Depending on your medical history and how unwell you are, your physician will choose which antibiotics to use. If you become severely ill, you will be admitted to the hospital, and your doctor will provide antibiotics through an IV.
• Plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis, also known as plasma exchange, may be beneficial if you are susceptible to organ damage from leptospirosis. Your blood is drawn during this process using a tube that is inserted into a vein, and that way your plasma is extracted from your blood. You will then receive donor blood via a different channel.
  
• Mechanical ventilation: if you develop breathing issues, you might require a ventilator to keep your blood oxygen levels stable. You will also receive medicine from your doctor to help you fall asleep throughout this session.
  

What is the Diagnosis Process of Leptospirosis?

Your doctor will do a basic blood test and look for antibodies in your blood to check for leptospirosis. Your body makes these proteins to combat the bacteria, however, the blood test may result in a false positive if you had a prior infection. In order to confirm the accuracy of the results, your doctor will probably order a second test a week or so later, and to make sure, you could also have a urine test. If leptospirosis symptoms are severe, a CT scan, X-ray, or other imaging test may be necessary because these tests demonstrate how the bacteria has damaged your organs.

The Hidden Dangers of Leptospirosis

The worst problem with this infection is that some leptospirosis patients show no symptoms at all until the complications begin. Fever, headache, chills, muscular pains, jaundice, stomach discomfort, and rash are some of the symptoms that may appear. On the other hand, some people with leptospirosis may experience major complications with their kidneys, liver, or the lining of their brain and spinal cord (meningitis) from the beginning if they are not treated with antibiotics early on. 

Risk factors for contracting Leptospirosis are: 

• It is an occupational disease, associated with freshwater or animal exposure. Sewage workers, butchers, farmers, veterinarians, or hunters were mostly exposed.
  
• Also associated with leisure activities (kayaking, rafting, canyoning, tramping, and other outdoor sports). 
  
• A growing incidence is also recognized in people returning from holidays in tropical regions, also providing evidence of the environmental risk in the countries visited. 
  
• Everyone's risk for leptospirosis is higher after hurricanes, heavy rain, or flooding. Animal urine in the soil and other surfaces can get into floodwater or rainwater, contaminating them and other natural water sources like streams. People may be exposed to contaminated water or use it for drinking or bathing.
  

Leptospirosis Prevention

There is no leptospirosis vaccination available, so the best defense against leptospirosis is to avoid swimming in water that may contain animal feces. You may consult with your healthcare practitioner about taking preventive medicine if you are involved in activities that pose a high risk of contracting leptospirosis. You should steer clear of animals that may be infected with leptospirosis, and always wear shoes and protection gear if you work with domestic animals. For effective leptospirosis prevention, entering a flooded area without protective gear should be avoided. 

Final Remarks

Animals infected with the leptospirosis bacteria pass it through urine, and if you come in contact with the urine-contaminated water, you get infected. The bacteria can survive for weeks or months in water or soil after sick animals urinate in, so be careful about swimming in open lakes. Working with animals also increases your chance of contracting the disease. Remember that if you experience the symptoms of leptospirosis, you should contact a doctor without delay. They will give you blood tests and urine tests to diagnose the disease before starting your treatment.  

Pathkind Labs uses modern technology to do these tests, and expert professionals provide test reports in just a few days. Contact Pathkind Labs today to get the tests done!