General Information About Leptospirosis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a systemic disease where bacteria shed into nature through the urine of animals infect humans via water and soil.
It is transmitted by swimming in stagnant waters or lakes contaminated with the urine of infected rats, dogs, or cattle, walking barefoot in fields, or the contamination of open wounds on the skin.
Suddenly onset high fever, severe headache, unbearable pain in the calf and lower back muscles, redness in the eyes, and rash.
It is the life-threatening stage where leptospirosis progresses and causes kidney failure, liver damage (jaundice), lung hemorrhages, and meningitis.
Diagnosis is made by detecting antibodies formed against the bacteria in blood or urine (MAT test) or by detecting the DNA of the bacteria using the PCR method.
Mild cases are treated with oral antibiotics such as doxycycline. In cases with severe organ involvement, intravenous penicillin and dialysis/intensive care support are essential.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
