leptospirosis Flashcards
what is leptospirosis
it is a bacterial disease caused by the genus leptospira
what 4 things should you consider about lepto
a) it has an aerobic gram negative bacteria, spiral configuration
b) there are 7 known pathogenic species and over 200 strains
c) all mammals can be infected worldwide and is zoonotic
d) dogs of any age- young and large males are more prone to the infection
what are the 6 disease causing strains of lepto
- canicola infects dogs
- icterohaemorrhagic infects rodents
- grippotyphosa infects raccoons and muskrats
- Pomona infects pigs, cattle and skunks
- bratisalava infects pigs and may infects mice and horses
- hardjo infects cattle
what 4 things should you consider about the transmission of lepo?
a) they don not multiply outside the host cell
b) the bacterium thrive best in stagnant water - warm moist climate
c) can survive 16days in fresh water and 24days in soil
d) the main source of infection if through direct contact with the animals urine or contaminated water/soil
what is the pathophysiology of lepto
from the mucous membranes, skin and ingestion it makes it way to the bloodstream targeting the kidney, liver, CSF, spleen, eyes and genital tract
what should you consider about the clinical signs of leptospirosis
it is non specific and may include any or all of the following symptoms: pyrexia, vomiting, dehydration, muscle tenderness, change in urination amount, anorexia, jaundice, uremia and shock
what should you consider about the lab findings of lepto
BUN, creatinine, WBC count and liver enzymes tend to be increased in number while platelets and blood protein tend to be decreased in number
how is the diagnosis of lepto evaluated
the clinical signs, serology specifically MAT, blood and urine culture and a PCR
what should you cosndier about the treatment of lepto
antibiotics such as doxycycline and penecillin are used and fluid therapy as part of the symptomatic treatment
what should you consider about the prognosis of lepto
most dogs experience a complete recovery and less than 10% of all cases are fatal
what 5 things should you consider about the prevention of lepto
a) vaccines are not available for all serovars
b) vaccines are available for the prevention of infection with serovars LC, LI, LG, and LP
c) control predation such as pest control
d) avoid possible contaminated environments
e) proper kennel sanitation and hygeine
what should you consider about lepto in humans
it is zoonotic, known as wiels disease and should avoid contact with infected urine
