Deciphering leptospirosis: Insights into an emerging global threat

Abstract

Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria that are members of the Leptospira genus. This illness can occur in a variety of environments, although it is more prevalent in tropical regions where humidity and wetness greatly aid in its spread. Geographically broad, leptospirosis primarily affects tropical, temperate, and subtropical regions. Bacteria can enter the body through the vaginal system, mucosa, conjunctiva, and tiny abrasions. Hazardous germs are released into the urine when the bacteria settle in the complex kidney pathways. Leptospirosis symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, making diagnosis challenging. The majority of leptospirosis patients are resolved without problems. Laboratory techniques are used to research leptospirosis in humans and animals. Humans are classified as accidental hosts because they have had direct or indirect interaction with leptospirosis-infected animals. Leptospirosis infection can occur in at-risk groups who work in contaminated environments or animal shelters, such as abattoir and sewer workers, coal mines, plumbers, salver workers, agricultural workers, veterinarians, military personnel, abattoir employees, animals, meat handlers, and fishing industry workers. Antimicrobial therapy is one way to treat leptospirosis. Among the antibiotics are doxycycline, amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, ampicillin, penicillin, and erythromycin. Reducing the incidence of leptospirosis in domestic and wild animals can help manage the disease in people. Leptospirosis in wild animals is difficult to control, but in domesticated animals, vaccinations using inactivated whole cells or outer membrane preparations can effectively manage the disease.

Keywords

• Infectious disease
• Leptospira
• leptospirosis
• public health
• water