Leptospirosis: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Leptospirosis is a disease which is caused by the infection present in bacteria called Leptospira. Moreover, its symptoms are so similar to influenza that it is overlooked as a simple viral fever. The only way to detect it is through a leptospira test, which reveals the underlying bacterial infection. Learn everything about its treatment, symptoms, and leptospirosis diagnosis in this article! 

What Is Leptospirosis? 

Leptospirosis is an infection of the blood caused by the bacteria Leptospira. In medical terms, it is referred to as a zoonotic disease since it travels from animals to humans. It is found in the bloodstream of infected animals, typically dogs or rodents. 

Generally, the bacterium passes into humans through animal urine. If the urine comes into contact with any human orifice, including the nose and mouth, or a break in the epidermis, it can pass into the human system. A blood or urine leptospira test can tell you if you have an infection. 

Who is at Most Risk for Leptospirosis? 

Since it is an animal-borne bacterium, any person working near animals in some form or another has a chance of incurring leptospirosis. Thus, the following people are at a higher risk of coming into contact with the infected: 

• Farmers 

• Dairy Workers 

• Slaughterhouse Workers 

• Veterinarians and Animal Caretakers 

• Fish farmers 

• Sewerage workers 

• Miners 

• Law enforcement canine units 

• Zoo workers 

• Animal lab testing technicians 

To prevent any unanticipated event, workers in these industries should get a leptospirosis blood test done regularly. Domestic animals and their owners can be infected by Leptospira through some medium or other. Thus, if you have a pet then you should get them vaccinated to avoid any kind of injections. 

How Common is Leptospirosis in Humans? 

According to some estimates, more than a million people around the world contract leptospirosis annually. Almost 60000 people die from it every year. The actual number may be higher as not everyone has access to a leptospirosis diagnostic test. 

What are the Phases of Leptospirosis? 

Leptospirosis occurs in two phases in humans. The first phase is typically mild, and humans will only experience a sudden onset of fever and illness. The second phase, however, can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated within time. Here are two phases of it: 

Leptospiremic Phase 

This is the first phase of the infection process. Leptospira naturally gravitates towards the kidneys, even in animals. In the first phase, the bacteria simply swim around the human body and attach to endothelial cells of blood vessels, macrophages, fibroblasts, and the epithelial cells of kidneys. During this phase, the infected person will simply experience symptoms such as a mild fever, weakness, and irritation, all commonly associated with influenza. This fever lasts for 3-5 days, depending on the age of the person. 

Immune Phase 

By the end of the first phase, the leptospira may have already reached the kidneys and other organs, where they multiply and become concentrated. This leads to a condition known as Weil’s syndrome in most patients. A leptospira antibody test of the urine at this point will indicate the relevant proteins and must be treated with targeted antibiotics. 

What are the Symptoms of Leptospirosis in Humans? 

Most doctors and specialists fail to diagnose leptospira without a leptospirosis diagnostic test since the indicative leptospirosis symptoms are common to several diseases. Let us take a look at the common symptoms of leptospirosis: 

• High fever 

• Headaches 

• Chills, both during day and night 

• Muscle ache 

• Abdominal pain 

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Diarrhoea 

• Jaundice 

These symptoms will appear during the initial stages of the infection. All of these symptoms are similar to the common cold and influenza and can go unnoticed. 

During the next phase of the infection, the symptoms become more aggressive. Commonly referred to as Weil’s syndrome, the symptoms include: 

• Conjunctivitis in the eyes 

• Chest pain 

• Trouble in breathing 

• Coughing up blood 

• Blood in urine 

• Black stool 

• Reduced urine discharge 

• Spotting and rashes on the skin 

If a patient is showing any of the later-stage symptoms, they should immediately get a leptospira test done to ascertain the cause. 

What Causes Leptospirosis?

Spirochaetic bacteria from the biological genus Leptospira cause leptospirosis. They are an aerobic form of bacteria, which means they can be transported through air. There are more than 60 types of Leptospira bacteria discovered by scientists as of now. 

The leptospira bacterium enters the human body through primary sense organs like the tongue, nose, and eyes. Additionally, they may also enter the epidermis layer of the skin if there is a break or tear. Once they have entered, the bacterium latches onto the cells of the blood vessels and organs before formally settling into the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain.  

Furthermore, leptospira replicates and can be seen in an infected person’s urine and bodily fluids. Thus, someone coming into contact with that will, in turn, contract the disease. A leptospira test of the fluid will immediately tell if it is infected or not. 

How Does Leptospirosis Spread? 

Leptospirosis spreads when a person comes into contact with infected animal or human fluids like urine. Leptospira mostly infects mammals, even though cold-blooded reptiles have also been found with this pathogen. However, animals hardly ever show any symptoms of leptospirosis. 

Animals can further contaminate soil and water, which, when touched by humans, can infect them. People can incur leptospirosis in several ways. These include: 

• Directly touching infected urine from animals or humans 

• Touching or consuming water or soil that an infected person or animal has contaminated. 

A strange phenomenon is observed that people living in agricultural regions get infected by leptospira after heavy flooding, as the water transports the pathogens. However, it is rare to see leptospira transfer from person to person. Once infected, though, the only way to diagnose this disease is through a leptospira test. 

How is Leptospirosis Diagnosed? 

Leptospirosis is not easily detectable because its initial symptoms are similar to generic viral fevers like the common cold and influenza. The only way to diagnose leptospirosis at its initial stages is through a leptospira test. Apart from a physical examination, it will include blood tests and urine tests to check the protein levels. You may also be asked to provide your medical history, workplace details, and travel details, if any. If you are sick, which can happen at the later stages of the disease, a chest CT scan may be prescribed. 

What Tests Will be Done to Diagnose Leptospirosis? 

These are the following leptospira tests that are prescribed to know the infection: 

Blood and Urine Tests: A leptospira antibody test and a leptospirosis blood test will be performed to check if your blood has any antibodies for the leptospira virus. This is a sure indicator that you have contracted the disease. Apart from this, a leptospirosis IgM test may be conducted. If your blood serum is not within the leptospira IgM test normal range, that can indicate the infection as well. 

Chest Imaging: At the later stages, doctors need to know the extent of damage that the disease has subjected to the internal organs. A CT scan of the chest area and other adjoining regions is the best way to get a clear picture so the leptospirosis treatment can begin. 

How Is Leptospirosis Treated? 

Leptospirosis is treated through the application of specific and targeted IV antibiotics. A technician will insert a needle right in your vein, and the antibiotics will be fed via the IV line. Intravenous injection is the best way to provide the medication, as it enables easy dissolution and faster action against the pathogen as opposed to a solid medication. 

If the leptospira stage is further advanced, patients will require other medications and procedures, depending on the extent of organ damage. 

What Medications and Procedures are Used to Treat Leptospirosis? 

Depending on the stage of the disease, two or more of these procedures and medications may be required: 

Leptospira Test 

The first procedure that will be performed is the leptospira test. This will include an examination of the blood, blood serum, and urine.   

Antibiotics 

The first and foremost step is to introduce antibiotics to the body. Leptospira is a bacterium but a specialised one, so it may require a cocktail of different antibiotics like amoxicillin and penicillin to counter the disease. 

Body Imaging 

At this point, if the patient is not making a full recovery in some time, doctors will ask for a chest CT scan, which will show the extent of internal damage. If the patient does not recover through broad-spectrum antibiotics, then the disease has certainly lodged in the organs. In rare cases, a brain CT scan may also be asked for if the pathogen has entered the cranial cavity. 

How Can I Prevent Leptospirosis? 

These are some useful ways to prevent the onset of leptospirosis: 

• Do not touch dead animals or dead animal matter without gloves. 

• Please remain away from wild animals; do not pet them. 

• Cease from any sports activities like boating or swimming in the river after heavy rain. 

• Taking some form of preventive medicine against the pathogen. 

• Don’t drink water from unknown and untreated sources.   

Conclusion 

This was a detailed overview of leptospirosis. If you have a suspicion that you are showing certain symptoms, there is no need to panic. First, think of any scenario if it was remotely possible that you may have encountered the bacteria. If so, get a leptospira test done immediately. 

Metropolis Lab is a leading diagnostic centre from where you can get the leptospira tests done. Metropolis labs can be found in all the major Indian cities. You can even book a home test with Metropolis. After getting yourself tested, visit your doctor and let them interpret the report.