Leptospirosis

A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Antibodies

Leptospirosis is a rare, severe, and contagious infection caused by several types of the Leptospira bacteria.

Weil disease; Icterohemorrhagic fever; Swineherd's disease; Rice-field fever; Cane-cutter fever; Swamp fever; Mud fever; Hemorrhagic jaundice; Stuttgart disease; Canicola fever

Leptospirosis is caused by exposure to the bacteria, which can be found in fresh water contaminated by animal urine. It occurs in warmer climates.

Risk factors include:

• Occupational exposure -- farmers, ranchers, abattoir workers, trappers, veterinarians, loggers, sewer workers, rice field workers, and military personnel.
• Recreational activities -- fresh water swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and trail biking in warm areas.
• Household exposure -- pet dogs, domesticated live stock, rainwater catchment systems, and infestation by infected rodents.

---

---

The incidence of leptospirosis is low in the continental U.S. Hawaii has the highest number of cases in the U.S.

Review Date: 09/25/2006
Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.