Neel Nagrath & Shlok Pimprikar Leptospirosis Neel Nagrath & Shlok Pimprikar

Who definition “Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. The early stages of the disease may include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness in the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, haemorrhages in skin and mucous membranes (including pulmonary bleeding), vomiting, diarrhoea and a rash.”

About Leptospirosis Organism: Leptospira interrogans Mode of transmission: Excrement of affected animals History: Weil, Professor of Medicine at Heidelberg, first diagnosed the disease in humans in 1886. The disease was named after him – Weil’s disease. Incubation period: 7 – 12 days Diagnosis: The microorganism is found in blood, urine and CSF. Kidney function tests such as creatinine and BUN can be performed. Also, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Prevention: Doxycycline – prophylaxis, vaccines in countries like Cuba and China. Treatment: Effective antibiotics include penicillin G, ampicillin, amoxicillin and Doxycycline. In more severe cases cefotaxime or ceftriaxone should be preferred.

Presentation High fever Severe headache Muscle pain Chills Redness in the eyes Abdominal pain Jaundice Haemorrhages in skin and mucous membranes (including pulmonary bleeding) Vomiting and diarrhoea Rash

Leptospirosis in India Most outbreaks of leptospirosis are reported in coastal regions: Gujarat, Mumbai, Kerala, Chennai and the Andaman Islands. – High rates have been reported from Gujarat for several years. – Outbreaks of ‘Andaman hemorrhagic fever’ were first reported in 1988, and identified as leptospirosis in 1993. – Highest rates occur during October to November.

Bibliography http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1413- 86702003000300003 http://www.jakraya.com/journal/pdf/jfzdArticle_2.pdf http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/leptospirosis/en/ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/12-succumb-to-leptospirosis- infection-in-Mumbai/articleshow/47974371.cms https://www.gideononline.com/2009/04/03/leptospirosis-in-india/

Thank you