S. Leptospira

• What are the characteristics of Leptospira?


  • Motile by means of two axial filaments
  • Obligate aerobic bacteria
• What animals are Leptispira found in?


  • wild and domestic animals
  • Rats, raccoons, foxes, horse, cattle, pigs
• Where in the human body does Leptospira grow?


  • kidney tubules
• What is Leptospirosis caused by?


  • L. interrogans
  • zoonotic in nature
  • named because one end of spirochete is hooked like a question mark
• How can humans contract the disease?

  • infected urine or environments
• How does Leptospira enter the body?


  • cuts/abrasions in skins and mucous membranes
• How does Leptospira travel through the body?


  • the bloodstream throughout the body
  • infection may lead to kidney dysfunction
  • bacteremia eventually resolves; spirochetes found only in kidneys
• How can Leptospira be diagnosed?


  • Antibody tests
• Can Leptospira be eradicated?

  • No due to various animal reservoirs
  • vaccine available for animals