Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the spirochete species Leptospira. It is the most common zoonotic infection in the world.
- Leptospira typically infects rats, cats, dogs, and livestock animals. The microbe reaches water sources and soil through the urine of infected animals.
- Human infection is typically through swimming in infected waters (penetration of mucousal membranes) or ingestion of contaminated food.
- Presents with an initial phase of septicemia characterized by fever, chills, malaise, conjunctivitis.
- Often followed by a second phase known as the immune phase occuring within a week of the illness in which