| Disease |
LEPTOSPIROSIS |
| |
|
| Quotation |
“infectious disease which antedated the emergence of human king will last will last as long as humanity itself, and will surely remain, as it has been hitherto, one of the fundamental parameters and determinants of human history.” |
| |
|
| Definition |
An acute zoonotic infection caused by serovars of leptosira interogans. The most severe and worldwide forms is by L. Icterhaemorrhagica or rats. |
| |
|
| Prognosis |
Without jaundice, complete recovery is the rule. With jaundice, the mortality is 5% for those under 30 years, 30% for those over 60 years. Recovery from hepatic and renal involvement is usual. Hypotension due to myocarditis and internal hemorrhage continue to be important cause of death. |
| |
|
| General Measures |
Maintain good fluid and electrolyte balance. |
| |
|
| Inadequate Response |
When hepatic or renal complications ensue and get severe. |
| |
|
| Prevention |
Those at risk of rat exposure to wear protective clothing. Eradication of rat reservoirDoxycycline (100mg) once a week can prevent leptospirosis for 3 weeksFor those who have suffered an exposure, parenteral pernicillin or doxycyline could be given |
| |
|
| Reference From |
www.baylor.edu/~Charles_kemp/leptospirosis.html |
