Definition for Leptospirosis
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis; that is, a disease primarily seen in animals that spreads to humans. The causative agent enters the body through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes and spreads to the urinary system from the blood. An abrupt fever follows, accompanied by myalgia (muscle pain), muscle stiffness, and headache. Half of patients develop nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Kidney and liver failure, meningitis, and respiratory distress are rare but potentially fatal complications. Taxonomists currently believe that all strains of the Gram-negative spirochete causing leptospirosis belong to a single species: Leptospira interrogans. Treatment is with oral antibiotics or intravenous penicillin for severe infections, and a vaccine is available for livestock and pets.