Leptospira interrogans

Question 1

Physical description of leptospira

Answer 1

• thin spirochete

- have endoflagella

Question 2

Clinical presentation of leptospira

Answer 2

• fever due to bacteremia
• capillary vasculitis and edema in organs
• petechiae and bleeding
• bacteria remains in liver, kidneys, CNS, eyes
• Weil’s disease; jaundice and kidney medulla destruction
• bloodshoot oozing eyes, meningitis, nausea, vomiting, intense pain

Question 3

Epidemiology of leptospira

Answer 3

• shed into water in urine
• ingested contaminated water
• spread from urine of rats and dogs

Question 4

Pathogenesis of leptospira

Answer 4

• no toxin, just LPS and PG
• intracellular growth possible
• endothelial damage in capillaries

Question 5

Control of leptospira

Answer 5

• disease mostly inflammatory
• corticosteriods for kidney inflammation
• macrolides or quinolones
• doxycycline for prophylaxis