Author Topic: LEPTOSPIROSIS  (Read 1715 times)

hofelina

  • DONOR
  • GURU
  • *****
  • Posts: 10008
  • Always look at the bright side of life!
    • View Profile
LEPTOSPIROSIS
« on: October 21, 2009, 02:19:55 AM »
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria (Leptospira), that are transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. Human to-human transmission is rare.
 
From which animals can you get leptospirosis?
Many animals can harbour leptospires in their kidneys and act as source of infection to humans and other animals. Rodents are incriminated as a primary source of infection to human beings. In the Philippines, rodents and dogs are recognized as sources of infection.

How do you get leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis results primarily from direct or indirect exposure to the urine of infected animals. Moisture is an important factor of the survival of the leptospires in the environment. Other modes of transmission of infection include handling infected animal tissues and ingestion of contaminated food and water.

How do leptospires enter the body of humans and animals?
Leptospires can gain entry into humans through cuts and abrasions in the skin, through the nose, mouth, and eyes, and perhaps through waterlogged skin. Occasionally, they may enter the human body via the inhalation of droplets of urine or via drinking-water.

Can leptospires be transmitted from human to human?
Yes, but rarely. They can be transmitted human-to-human by sexual intercourse, transplacentally from the mother to the fetus and via breast milk to a child. Urine from a patient suffering from leptospirosis should be considered infectious. As leptospires can be cultured from blood, this should be viewed as infectious up to 7–10 days of illness.

How long is the incubation period?
The incubation period is usually 7–10 days, with a range of 2–30 days.

Where does leptospirosis occur?
The disease is found mainly wherever humans come into contact with the urine of infected animals or a urine-polluted environment. It often has a is seasonal, increasing with increased rainfall or higher temperature. Epidemics may be associated with animal or sewage contamination of water, or follow natural disasters (typhoons and floods).

Who are at risk?
At risk are farm/agricultural workers, pet shop workers, veterinarians, sewer workers, abattoir workers, meat handlers, and the military. Other groups at high risk for leptospirosis include survivors of natural disasters (e.g. flooding) and those engaged in water sports.

When should a diagnosis of leptospirosis be considered?
The diagnosis of leptospirosis should be considered in anyone presenting with:
1.        an abrupt onset of fever
2.        chills
3.        conjunctival suffusion (redness of the eyes)
4.        headache
5.        myalgia (muscle pain and soreness) and
6.        jaundice (yellowing of eyes and/or skin).
Conjunctival suffusion and muscle tenderness, most notable in the calf and lumbar areas, are the most distinguishing physical findings. Others may complain of cough, difficulty of breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint pains and skin rash.

Suspicion is further increased if there is a history of occupational or recreational exposure to infected animals or to an environment potentially contaminated with animal urine (flood). Once the possibility of leptospirosis has been considered, appropriate diagnostic tests and clinical management should be instituted.

How dangerous is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis can be treated. However, it can be deadly in about <5% to 70% in different parts of the world.  Complications include kidney failure, liver failure and lung bleeding. Major improvements in medical care however, have been made in recent years.

What is the optimal treatment for leptospirosis?
Consult a physician immediately once symptoms appear. Treatment with effective antibiotics should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis of leptospirosis is suspected and preferably before the fifth day after the onset of illness.

How can leptospirosis be prevented and controlled?
Prevention and control should be targeted at :
(a) the infection source, e.g.rats
• removal of rubbish and keeping areas around human habitations clean;
• encourage people not to leave food around, especially in recreational areas where rats may be present;
(b) the route of transmission between the infection source and the human host;
• leptospires are rapidly killed by disinfectants and desiccation, so keep surroundings clean and dry.
• small areas, such as floors, can be cleaned and disinfected, but disinfecting large natural areas such as lakes or rivers is not possible
• avoid contact with animal urine, infected animals or an infected environment,
* avoid wading in the floods
* protective clothing should be worn and wounds covered with waterproof dressings to reduce the chance of infection if exposure is likely, e.g. floods, occupational or recreational exposure.
(c) infection or disease in the human host
• early recognition and treatment
• care in handling urine and blood of those infected

How can humans be protected?
Increased awareness of the disease is important for early recognition and treatment. Doxycycline has been reported to give some protection against infection and disease. A vaccine for dogs is available, but a vaccine for humans is not available in the Philippines.


Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23210.0
Easy way to start your own website at www.bluehost.com. Click the link now.

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

glacier_71

  • DIPLOMAT
  • GURU
  • *****
  • Posts: 9926
  • i expand and live in the sun like corn and melon
    • View Profile
Re: LEPTOSPIROSIS
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2009, 03:58:57 AM »
dakog posibilidad tong naapektohan sa lunop sa Manila ani, manay?

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23210.0
Artificial Intelligence is nothing in comparison to Natural Stupidity.

hofelina

  • DONOR
  • GURU
  • *****
  • Posts: 10008
  • Always look at the bright side of life!
    • View Profile
Re: LEPTOSPIROSIS
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2009, 04:08:06 AM »
Yes, this info comes from UNILAB Pinas, so please be careful and take this seriously.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23210.0
Easy way to start your own website at www.bluehost.com. Click the link now.

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

jamo2x

  • EXPERT
  • ***
  • Posts: 1948
  • enJOY life and dance as if it's your last dance
    • View Profile
Re: LEPTOSPIROSIS
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2009, 04:57:29 AM »
dakog posibilidad tong naapektohan sa lunop sa Manila ani, manay?

daghn na na apektuhan ani tungod sa lunop...gi balita sa abs-cbn news gahapon...gi interview pa jud ang uban mga bata nga naa nay sakit anih....morag nuka2 ra man ang itsura :(
mao na ni kujawan ron sa mga students, di hadlok mabasa sa flooding, pero hadlok mag ka leptos.

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23210.0
i promise you, i'll be yours forever :)

hubag bohol

  • AMBASSADOR
  • THE SOURCE
  • *****
  • Posts: 89964
  • "Better to remain silent and be thought a fool...
    • View Profile
Re: LEPTOSPIROSIS
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2009, 10:14:13 AM »
Maajo gani kay dili maka-infect ang human urine. ;D

Linkback: https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=23210.0
...than to speak out and remove all doubt." - Abraham Lincoln

Book your travel tickets anywhere in the world, go to www.12go.co

unionbank online loan application low interest, credit card, easy and fast approval

Tags: