[Leptospirosis]

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis. When human beings are infected the clinical spectrum varies from a mild, febrile illness to severe, icteric disease with multiorgan failure and fatal outcome. The illness falls into two phases, the septicaemic and the so-called immune. The diagnosis is confirmed by culture of blood and spinal fluid during the first phase, by culture of urine during the second and by serology. It is recommended that penicillin be given as quickly as possible. Prevention is important e.g. effective rat control and individual protection such as wearing protective clothing in contaminated work areas.