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Leptospirosis in the tropics and in travelers

Jessica N Ricaldi1, Joseph M Vinetz

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, 0640, Cellular and Molecular Medicine-East, Room 2052, La Jolla, CA 92093-0640, USA.

Current Infectious Disease Reports
|February 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread by contaminated water, can cause severe illness and death. Early treatment with antibiotics like cephalosporins is effective, and doxycycline can prevent infection in travelers.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by *Leptospira* spirochetes, increasingly affecting travelers and residents in tropical regions.
  • Transmission occurs through contact with environmental water contaminated by infected mammal urine.
  • Infection outcomes range from mild febrile illness to severe, life-threatening conditions, with up to 25% mortality in hospitalized cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment of leptospirosis.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of different antibiotic treatments for acute leptospirosis.
  • To assess preventive strategies for travelers at risk of leptospirosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trial data and epidemiological studies on leptospirosis.
  • Analysis of treatment outcomes for various antibiotic regimens.
  • Evaluation of prophylactic measures for at-risk populations.

Main Results:

  • Third-generation cephalosporins demonstrate comparable efficacy to doxycycline and penicillin in treating acute leptospirosis.
  • Doxycycline is effective in preventing leptospirosis among travelers.
  • Currently, no protective vaccine for leptospirosis is available.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial for managing leptospirosis, with cephalosporins offering an effective alternative.
  • Preventive measures, such as doxycycline prophylaxis, are vital for travelers visiting endemic areas.
  • Further research is needed to develop a protective vaccine against leptospirosis.

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