Leptospirosis. Flashcards
What kind of disease is leptospirosis?
A zoonotic disease.
What global distribution does leptospirosis have?
It has a worldwide distribution.
What causes leptospirosis infections?
Several pathogenic serovars ofLeptospira.
What animals are affected by leptospirosis?
Virtually all mammals.
What is the range of clinical effects of leptospirosis?
They can range from mild infection to multiple-organ failure and death.
What are the leptospira pathogens that cause leptospirosis?
Theyare aerobic, gram-negative spirochetes that have characteristic corkscrew-like motility.
How can leptospirosis be transmitted?
By direct or indirect contact.
How can leptospirosis be transmitted directly?
Via contact with infected urine, bite wounds, or ingestion of infected tissues.
How can leptospirosis be transmitted indirectly?
Via exposure of susceptible animals to contaminated water sources, soil, food, or bedding.
What is a common habitat for the spirochetes that cause leptospirosis?
Stagnant or slow-moving warm water.
What temperature ranges will the spirochetes that cause leptospirosis live in?
Temperatures between 0° and 25°C.
What factors will influence the severity of leptospirosis?
Age.
Immunity of the host.
Environmental factors.
Virulence of the infecting serovar.
What are the systemic signs of leptospirosis?
Fever.
Depression.
Anorexia.
Vomiting.
Reluctance to move.
Dehydration.
Congested mucous membranes.
What are rare effects of leptospirosis?
Abortion or stillbirths.
Meningitis.
Pneumonia.
Chronic hepatitis.
What tools are used to diagnose leptospirosis?
Complete Blood Count (CBC).
Urinalysis.
Serum chemistries.
MAT (Microscopic Agglutination Test).
ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay).
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction Test).
