Leptospira interrogans George Inchavelithara

Classification Kingdom: Monera Phylum: Spirochaetes Class: Spirochaetes Order: Spirochaetales Family: Leptospiraceae Genus: Leptospira Species: L. interrogans

Characteristics Aerobic Requires iron to grow Reproduces through binary fission Flexible Gram Negative

Structure Uses two internal flagella to propel itself Spiral shaped 6-20 nano micrometers long Contains outer membrane lipopolysaccharides And lipoproteins

Causes Leptospirosis Zoonotic disease Transmitted by domesticated animals such as dogs Also transmitted by rodents Common in tropical urban areas

History of Leptospirosis The disease was first described in 1812 as fièvre jaune among Napoleon's troops. It was initially believed to be related to the plague but not as contagious. Throughout the remainder of the 19th century, the illness was known in Europe as bilious typhoid.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis Symptoms can take 2-26 days to develop Dry cough Headache Fever Vomiting Nausea

Tests and Treatments Blood test for antibodies Can be treated with antibiotics such as Ampicillin and Penicillin

Citations Gompf, Sandra. "Leptospirosis." eMedecine. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb 2011. <http:// emedicine.medscape.com/article/220563- overview>. "Leptospira Interrogans." EMBL- EBI. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb 2011. <http://www.ebi.ac.uk/ 2can/genomes/bacteria/ Leptospira_interrogans.html>. Vinetz, Joseph. "Leptospira interrogans." John Hopkins. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Feb 2011. <http://hopkins-abxguide.org/pathogens/bacteria/spirochete/leptospira_interrogans.html?contentInstanceId=255916>.