7/15/2012

What is Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease of humans and animals caused by infection with leptospira bacteria found in the urine and animal cells are exposed. Spiral-shaped bacterium and can live in fresh water for a month.

Source of transmission of the disease leptospirosis

Sources leptospirosis disease transmission through animal urine such as cattle, pigs, dogs, and rats were exposed to the disease leptospirosis. Tissues and body fluids infected animals can also be a source of infection for humans. Mice become a potential source of infectious disease leptospirosis.

Mode of transmission of disease leptospirosis

Direct transmission from human to human is rare. Transmission to humans occurs by direct or indirect contact. Ability leptospirosis germs live very well on wet and muddy environments.

Humans infected with leptospira through contact or contact with water and soil or plants that have been polluted by animal urine suffering from leptospirosis. The bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes (mucosa) of eyes, nose, skin abrasions or food contaminated by the urine of infected animals leptospira.

Transmission can also occur in humans when the animals drink milk immediately after milking without first heating process.

Symptoms of leptospirosis in animals exposed

Symptoms of leptospirosis in cattle is characterized by fever and a raised red urine. In pigs, such as miscarriage, fetal mummification, or weak piglets born. Pigs become a potential source of transmission in cattle being close.

In dogs, followed by bleeding fever spread to the mucous membranes and skin, and rapid death occurred.