SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Leptospirosis”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1977

The pathogenesis of leptospirosis I. Hemorrhages in experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs.

In experimental infections of guinea pigs with a virulent strain of Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae widespread hemorrhages were observed. Thrombocytopenia, prolongation of prothrombin, thrombin, partial thromboplastin and coagulation times, decrease of plasma fibrinogen, factor V, factor VIII and the presence of fibrinogen degradation products were demonstrated. Treatment of infected guinea pigs with heparin prolonged life for two to three days. The histological observations revealed that the main lesion is a severe injury of the vasculature, mainly arteries, arterioles and capillaries. Most of the endothelial cells are affected or destroyed and the muscular fibers of arteries and arterioles are injured. With Martius-Scarlet-Blue, Weigert or Picro-Mallory stains it was demonstrated that the organization seen in the vessels is not all made of fibrin. The conclusion reached was that the hemorrhages observed in experimental leptospirosis in guines pigs are due to disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Animals↗

PubMed1977

The pathogenisis of leptospirosis II. Jaundice in experimental leptospirosis in guinea pigs.

Different mechanisms responsible for the appearance of jaundice in leptospirosis caused by Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae in guinea pigs were discussed. Hepatocellular damage was demonstrated with the presence to a lesser extent of intrahepatic biliary obstruction. A massive destruction of extravascular red blood cells liberated by the hemorrhagic diathesis, appeared to be the main cause in the genesis of jaundice. The latter was inhibited following the neutralization of the reticuloendothelial system of guinea pigs by an irradiation before the infection.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Prevalence of rodent and mongoose leptospirosis on the Island of Oahu.

Sporadic occurrences of human leptospirosis in recent years throughout the State of Hawaii have resulted in at least one death. Because of the apparent association of rodents and possibly mongooses with human leptospiral infections, a survey for leptospirosis was conducted among rodents as well as mongooses on Oahu. No such work had been recorded since a survey of rodents and mongooses for leptospirosis 31 years ago. In the current work, the prevalence of rodent and mongoose leptospirosis in the districts of Oahu was determined by the kidney-culture method. A serologic study of the rodents and mongooses subjected to kidney culturing was also conducted by use of the microscopic slide agglutination test. There were 1.2 times as many kidney culture results that were positive as serologic results. High prevalence of rodent leptospirosis were found where there was considerable rainfall or fresh surface water such as from streams. The overall leptospirosis prevalence for rodents was 23.4 percent, and for mongooses it was 23.0 percent. The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) had the highest infection rate, 33.3 percent, and the predominant (72.2 percent) organism in these infections was Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae, which causes Weil's disease in man. Observations of rodent leptospirosis recorded 31 years ago were compared with results of the current study. The mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) is the preeminent carrier of Leptospira sejroe, a serotype that generally causes a mild form of leptospirosis in man.

Agglutination Tests↗

PubMed2026

A systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the global prevalence of leptospirosis in sheep.

Leptospirosis in sheep is a zoonotic concern considering sheep may act as potential reservoirs for Leptospira spp. infection to humans. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of leptospirosis in sheep worldwide. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases following PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses were performed using a random effect model in R software (version 4.3.1) to calculate pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analyses were performed based on prevalence types, diagnostic methods and continental regions to explore sources of heterogeneity. A total of 138 studies comprising 54,174 samples and 10,299 positive detections were included in this study. The global pooled prevalence of leptospirosis in sheep was 15.69% (95% CI: 12.69-19.25) with overall heterogeneity (I2) 98%. The prediction interval ranged from 1.09% to 75.91%, indicating wide inter-study variability. The seroprevalence was 16.16% (95% CI: 12.91-20.04) and infection prevalence was 12.98% (95% CI: 8.07-20.22), showing no significant difference (P = 0.40). In addition, the prevalence of leptospirosis in sheep differed significantly across diagnostic methods and continents (P < 0.01), indicating substantial variation influenced by both methodological and geographical factors. The funnel plot revealed marked asymmetry, suggesting potential publication bias which was confirmed by Egger's regression test (P < 0.01). In conclusion, leptospirosis is widely prevalent in sheep globally, with marked geographical and methodological heterogeneity. These findings highlight the epidemiological importance of sheep in leptospirosis transmission and underscore the need for improved surveillance, standardized diagnostic approaches, and targeted control strategies within a One Health framework.

Animals↗

PubMed1976

[Meaning of serotype Patoc (biflexa complex) for the diagnosis of leptospirosis by microscopic agglutination test (author's transl)].

Agglutination with serotype patoc (Patoc 1) was found in 72 of 125 cases of leptospirosis. Patoc-agglutination occured frequently in leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagiae, less frequently in leptospirosis grippotyphosa and rarely in leptospirosis tarassovi. 53 cases of leptospirosis were not diagnosed when using Patoc 1 as single antigen. So we cannot recommend to use serotype patoc as the sole antigen for microscopic agglutination test. We observed 1 case in which the reaction with Patoc 1 happened earlier than the reaction with the pathogen serotypes. For this reason the battery of antigens for carrying out microscopic agglutination test should include serotype patoc, too.

Agglutination Tests↗

PubMed1976

Co-antibodies in human leptospirosis.

Investigations concerning the co-antibodies formed in the course of human leptospirosis and the extractive antigens of leptospiras were reviewed. As a whole, the results concerning leptospira antigens point, next to antigens of serotype, to genus-specific and intertype antigens deeply seated in the cells. These cannot be identified by the MAL test, and therefore are not related to the co-agglutinins in human leptospirosis. The associations of co-antibodies in human leptospirotic sera were analyzed, using the MAL and CF tests performed with 20 pathogenic and water serotypes of leptospira. The results showed that in the course of human leptospirosis high titer co-antibodies are formed, both agglutinating and complement fixing, variably associated for one or more serotype antigens not belonging to the infecting strain. The various biological interpretations of the phenomenon were discussed and the hypothesis of antigenic changes of leptospira strains in vivo as well as in vitro was discussed, as a determining factor in the formation co-antibodies in leptospirosis.

Agglutinins↗

PubMed1976

[Leptospirosis in a Dakar hospital: results of a new survey].

The incidence of leptospirosis in West Africa is still almost unknown. Doubtful or positive serological tests were found in approx. 35% of the patients admitted to the hospital, among which leptospirosis could clinically or biologically be suspected. This rather high proportion reflects the frequency of recent or past contacts with leptospira antigen. It is in agreement with the high infestation prevalence observed among several domestic or wild animals, besides small rodents. On the countrary, it should be noted that the leptospirosis-illness, at least in its pure form, with its characteristic hepatic, renal and neurological signs, is seldom seen. Seven typical cases only (among which five at the hosptical Le Dantec) have been diagnosed in Dakar during these last 6 years. Even taking into account that the proportion of atypical, fruste or undiagnosed forms is not negligible, leptospirosis does not appear to be a major medical problem in Senegal.

Adult↗

PubMed1979

Leptospirosis and acute renal failure--clinical experiences and a review of the literature.

About 50 cases of leptospirosis are diagnosed each year in the United Kingdom, with an overall mortality of 5%. Renal failure, in association with jaundice, is commonly held responsible for this figure. Over a period of 18 years, 6 cases of leptospirosis complicated by renal failure were treated at the Royal Air Force Renal Unit; there were 4 survivors. The 2 deaths occurred before the unit policy of daily haemodialysis and total parenteral nutrition, and were both from haemorrhagic complications. The authors believe that patients with leptospirosis and progressive renal impairment should be managed in renal units experienced in the management of the hypercatabolic patient, and that this should improve their prognosis.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed1979

[On the leptospirosis occurred in a worker under construction of World Ocean Exposition in Okinawa Prefecture (author's transl)].

A male worker, 29 years old, was engaged in construction work of World Ocean Exposition in Okinawa Perfecture, and was diagnosed as suffering from leptospirosis in September 1973. The leptospirosis was an acute infection caused by Leptospira hebdomadis. The parasite seemed to be transmitted to him by ingestion of food and drink contaminated with the urine and excreta of the reservoir animals in the unsanitary workshop and living environment in Okinawa district. This leptospirosis was determined as an occupational disease.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Leptospirosis in children: a not infrequent disease (author's transl)].

A total of 14 cases of leptospirosis in children aged from 5 to 15 years, hospitalized in the Paris region, are reported. The polymorphe character of the disease is pointed out. The necessity for respecting a rigorous chronological order when requesting complementary examinations, which could confirm the diagnosis, is stressed. Domestic animals, team-mates, and while swimming at week-ends or during holidays, are potential sources or means of infection in the young. This justifies searching for leptospirosis in cases of unexplained fever, a pseudo-influenza syndrome, a meningitis which is mainly of the lymphocytic type, or more rarely, in cases of jaundice. Leptospirosis should be a disease well-known by the pediatrician.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1979

Leptospirosis in meat inspectors: preliminary results of a serological survey.

A serological survey of leptospirosis among more than 1000 meat inspectors, from meat works throughout New Zealand, revealed a serological prevalence at a minimum serum dilution of 1:24, of 10.2 percent. Eighty-five percent of serological reactions were to serovars pomona and tarassovi. A highly significant correlation was demonstrated between the serological prevalence of these serovars and the inspection of pigs. Evidence is provided to substantiate the use of titres as low as 1:24 as an indication of previous leptospiral infection. Forty-two inspectors reported medical evidence of previous clinical infection with leptospirosis. Analysis of those who still exhibited a serological response and their individual case histories, indicated that detectable titres of leptospirosis can exist for up to 10 years.

Animals↗

PubMed1979

Leptospirosis in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: a case-control seroepidemiologic study.

From January 1 to December 31 of 1975, all patients admitted to Salvador's Infectious Disease Hospital were serologically tested for leptospirosis if their clinical and laboratory findings were compatible with this diagnosis. Of the 888 patients tested, 133 were positive. Among patients with an initial clinical impression of leptospirosis, the diagnosis was confirmed serologically in 36% and for the 133 leptospirosis patients, only 67 (50.4%) were initially suspected. Epidemiological aspects investigated covered: age, sex, place of residence and occupation for all cases and for fatal cases; distribution of cases by month of occurrence and by rainfall in that month; distribution of serotypes by month; and probable source of infection with emphasis of the occurrence and type of contact with dogs. For each case residing in Salvador, a control of the same age and sex was interviewed in the immediate neighborhood. Sewage, rats, water, dogs, mud and garbage were identified as the most likely source of infection in that order. Marked seasonal fluctuations were apparent with peak incidence during the months of maximum precipitation. In two-thirds of cases reporting contact with a dog, tests on the animal revealed the same serotype. The most frequent serotypes were: icterohemorrhagiae, autumnalis, castellonis, grippotyphosa, hebdomadis and bataviae.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1976

[Leptospirosis epidemic (L. grippothyphosa) in the Mainz area, concerning the pediatric age group (author's transl)].

31 children, presenting with rather uncharacteristic symptoms of an infectious disease and being referred to this clinic mostly because of lymphadenitis of the neck (81%) and/or signs of meningitis (45%), were seen within a period of only eight weeks and proved to suffer from Leptospirosis (L. grippotyphosa). The majority of the patients belonged to the age group of one to six years and lived in rural environs. Our observation is considered to relate to a Leptospirosis epidemic and suggests, as opposed to the general acceptance, a much higher incidence of Leptospirosis in this country and, moreover, in children.

Ampicillin↗

PubMed1979

Vascular damage in acute experimental leptospirosis of the guinea-pig.

The pathogenesis of the haemorrhagic diathesis in experimental leptospirosis of the guinea-pig was investigated in the lung, diaphragm and kidney. The vascular damage was found to be focal and mainly capillary. Swollen endothelium with dilated endoplasmic reticulum, enlarged mitochondriae and open junctions seemed to be the initial lesions and endothelial necrosis the final picture in all tissues. The lung capillaries showed endothelial and epithelial blebs and desquamation with many myelin figures. Capillary thrombosis was observed in the pulmonary microcirculation, probably acting as an aggravating factor and being partly responsible for the particularly impressive lung haemorrhages. The peritubular renal capillaries as well as open junctions and gaps due to necrosis also had enlarged fenestrae which were permeable to colloidal carbon particles. The paucity of micro-organisms in the vicinity of the lesions is in accordance with the toxic genesis postulated for the vascular damage in leptospirosis. It is suggested that the vascular lesions induced by leptospirosis begin with increased permeability prior to endothelial necrosis.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1977

Cardiac and pulmonary involvement in leptospirosis.

The clinico-pathological features of cardiac and pulmonary involvement were studied in seven cases of fatal leptospirosis. Petechial haemorrhages occurred in the heart and pericardium in all cases with blood-stained pericardial effusions in five. Interstitial myocarditis was noted in five patients and probably caused the changing electrocardiographic abnormalities and clinical cardiovascular effects during the illness. Sub-pleural and intrapulmonary haemorrhages occurred in all seven cases with pleural effusions in four. Pulmonary oedema was a striking feature during the early stages of the illness, while in patients surviving the first week of the disease infiltrative and proliferative lesions were common. The latter type of pulmonary changes occurred at a stage when acute renal failure was improving and were not related to the presence and severity of jaundice. The clinico-pathological profile of pulmonary involvement in leptospirosis appears to fall into an adult respiratory distress syndrome and, when present, carries a serious prognosis and would then be a prime factor in mortality. As clinical manifestations of pulmonary involvement appear late during the clinical illness and may be of abrupt onset, auscultatory and radiological surveillance becomes mandatory in severe leptospiral infections.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1977

Leptospirosis: a childhood disease.

A diagnosis of leptospirosis was confirmed in nine children who were admitted to St. Louis Children's Hospital during the past 54 months. Epidemiologic, clinical, cultural, and serologic data which were obtained emphasize (1) the high incidence of urban cases; (2) contact with dogs as the most likely source of infection; and (3) that serotypes other than Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae may produce severe clinical disease. Unusual or previously unreported manifestations of leptospirosis including acalculous cholecystitis, pancreatitis, abdominal causalgia, desquamating skin rashes, and infarction of the extremities which were noted in these children are discussed.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1975

Human leptospirosis.

Human leptospirosis is a subject of increasing interest. Although this disease was frequently associated with individuals whose occupation or geographic location placed them in close proximity to wild animals or farm animals, recent cases have been particularly prevalent in young children and adolescents in urban and suburban America. Many of the recent cases have been acquired from household pets, particularly from dogs or hamsters. In particular, healthy dogs who have been immunized with leptospiral organisms, thereby creating a significant risk for their owners. This article will review the pathophysiology, clincal manifestations, laboratory diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of leptospirosis in the modern era, with particular emphasis on a more complete understanding of the epidemiology of this disorder.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1977

Naturally-occurring leptospirosis in northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus).

A 4-year study of Northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus) leptospirosis in the Bering Sea has shown that in newborn pups Leptospira pomona is associated with a multiple hemorrhage syndrome. Adults may develop an interstitial nephritis and shed organisms in the urine. The hed prevalence, based on microscopic slide agglutination tests, ranged between 7.0% and 15.4% for adult females and 3-4 year old bachelor bulls, whereas nursing pups averaging 4 months of age had a prevalence of 2%. These results are used to conclude that leptospirosis is not acquired primarily on the breeding rookeries but rather is more frequently acquired subsequent to the purps leaving the rookeries, presumably through the food chain during their first pelagic cycle.

Animals↗