Leptospirosis Bacteria Infectious Disease Contracted by Humans and Animals

Leptospirosis (bacterial pathogen called Leptospira 1) is a contagious bacterial (spirochete) illness transmitted by animals (rats, skunks, raccoons, foxes and other vermin) through waste products that infect soil or water. 2 When people and dogs come into contact with contaminated soil, water or infected food, the bacteria cause serious liver, kidney, lungs, heart, central nervous system and eye damage. 1 In some rare cases complications from the bacteria contact can cause death. 7 Estimated annually 500,000 cases of leptospirosis diagnosed world-wide. 12 Medical tests detect the presence Leptrospirosis, and symptoms confirm the diagnosis. Medication is available for treating the bacteria, however depending upon the extent of damage kidney and liver organs may not function. 3 Canine Leptospirosis vaccination is available, but not advisable for puppies. 4 Research is underway to find a faster method to diagnosis Leptrospirosis. 5

United States Centers for Disease Control estimates each year 100 - 200 leptospirosis cases are reported and approximately half of these cases occur in Hawaii. 2 When people are infected with Leptospirosis considered "accidental hosts", through direct contact with soil, water or plants contaminated with animal urine bacteria. The bacteria disease enters the body through cuts or other skin damage mucous membrane ("such as the inside of the mouth and nose"). 1 Contaminated bodies of water (especially during rainy season or in times of flooding 7) where prolonged water-sports or recreational activities occur: Risk exposure to the bacteria, besides swallowing or digesting contaminated food or water. 6. "Farmers, workers in rice fields, sewer workers, and other whose jobs involve contact with water or mud that is contaminated by animal urine, especially the urine of rodents." 7 The first stage of human contamination begins with flu-like symptoms lasting from 3 - 7 days.1 Second phase of symptoms are more severe: Characterized by meningitis, liver damage (causing jaundice), and renal failure. 6 "In the United States, rats and dogs are more commonly linked with human leptospirosis than other animals." (Less common for cats 8) The majority of leptospirosis cases are diagnosed from July to October. "In animals, the incubation period (time of exposure to first symptoms) is anywhere between 2 to 20 days." In dogs predominantly the bacteria damages the liver and kidney. 6. According to the Center of Disease Control symptoms for pets exposed to leptospirosis: Vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, muscle pains, decreased activities, and stiffness. 8

Leptospirosis diagnosed by detecting the bacteria in blood tests, spinal fluid or urine. 3 State Health Departments provide blood testing for leptospirosis. 7 Animal testing for leptospirosis includes blood and urine tests & Kidney biopsy. 13

Antibiotics (such as penicillin and doxycline 8) are available to provide treatment for leptospirosis and other supportive care maybe necessary for severe cases (hospitalization and dialysis 8). 7 Leptospirosis can lead to death among five to forty percent of patients, depending upon the severity of organ damage and prior medical health concerns. "Most previously healthy patients will make a full recovery." Doxycline recommended (prevention against leptospirosis) to be taken (200 mg) per week by mouth starting before and during the time period for travelers or vacationers to regions of the world where leptospirosis is common (Especially among Inner cities where infested rats live within poor sanitation.7 ) Pets diagnosed with leptrospirosis are administered antibiotics as soon as possible, limiting or preventing organ damage. Necessary steps including the use of latex or rubber gloves should be made available, avoid human contact with contagious contaminated waste from pets. "Use a diluted (1:10 parts) bleach solution to clean surfaces where pet waste may have contaminated." 8

Vaccinating dogs against leptospirosis depends if the dog owner keeps their pet inside a safe environment or allows the dog to hang - outside (such as farm dog) in the yard or open field, risk of contamination from leptospirosis is likely. 9 Especially after heavy rains, standing water perfect breeding ground for bacteria 14 Vaccinating a one pound dog, or a hundred pound dog receives the same dosage, stimulates the immune system against the infectious organism. 9 "Most canine distemper combination vaccines include a vaccine leptospirosis. At least two doses are required initially with boosters strongly recommended." 10 Veterinarians at Kansas University's College of Veterinary Medicine do not recommend vaccinating puppies against leptospirosis: More frequently puppies have a negative reaction to the vaccination than dogs including death. Also, the vaccination does not protect puppies very well. 11

Chembio Diagnostic Systems, Inc ("a Wholly - owned subsidiary of Chembio Diagnostics Inc.') developed in collaboration with medical foundations a diagnostic test for leptospirosis (Dual Path Platform - DPP) for general worldwide application. In 2008 the diagnostic test proved successful during phase one evaluation in Brazil and Thailand: Overall sensitivity of 85%. Within seven days contracting leptospirosis ("window-of-opportunity") the prototype DPP identified the illness 78 percent of the time (sensitivity). United States National Institutes of Health (NIH) awarded (June 2009) a three million Dollar grant for Small Business Innovative Research Phase Two , complete testing this diagnostic application for leptospirosis, Diagnosing early this bacteria is essential for better treatment outcome, and often misdiagnosed for malaria, dengue and other cause for severe fever (symptom). 12

References:

1.) leptospirosis - http://www.answers.com/topic/leptospirosis

2.) Leptospirosis - http://www.medicinenet.com/leptospirosis/article.htm

3.) Leptospirosis (cont.) - http://www.medicinenet.com/leptospirosis/page3.htm

4.) Leptrospirosis Vaccination Fact Sheet for Washington Sate Veterinarians (March

2006) - http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/rdvm/lepto.asp

5.) Chembio Awarded Three-Year $3MM NIH SBIR Phase II Grant To Complete DPP(R) Test For Human Leptospirosis - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155480.php

6.) Leptospirosis - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leptospirosis#Symptoms

7.) Leptospirosis - http://www.dhpe.org/infect/Lepto.html

8.) Leptospirosis (cont.) - http://www.medicinenet.com/leptospirosis/page3.htm

9.) Dog's Vaccine for Leptospirosis May Be Optional - http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-information/dog-vet-geller-dvm/vaccine-for-leptospirosis-may-be-optional.aspx

10.) All Pets Veterinary Clinic - LEPTOSPIROIS - http://www.allpetsmacomb.com/leptospirosis.html

11.) Leptospirosis Vaccine - http://www.critterchat.net/leptovac.htm

12.) Chembio Awarded Three-Year $3MM NIH SBIR Phase II Grant To Complete DPP(R) Test For Human Leptospirosis - http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/155480.php

13.) Leptospirosis - Section:Overview - http://www.petplace.com/dogs/leptospirosis/page2.aspx

14.) Dog Owners Beware: Shared Water Presents Dangers - http://wcbstv.com/local/dogs.contaminated.water.2.1070822.html