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What dog and cat owners should know about this bacteria that can cause illness in your furry friends.
Leptospirosis is a blood infection caused by the bacterium Leptospira [8] that can infect humans, dogs, rodents and many other wild and domesticated animals. [8] Signs and symptoms can range from none to mild ( headaches , muscle pains , and fevers ) to severe ( bleeding in the lungs or meningitis ). [ 5 ]
Leptospira often enter the body through open cuts and other wounds, though they are unable to pass through an intact skin barrier. [27] Infected wild and domestic animals can continue to excrete the bacteria into the environment for several years, and the bacteria can survive in soil and water for months at a time. [28]
Leptospira noguchii is another pathogenic bacteria that causes Leptospirosis. Leptospirosis can be transferred in a multitude of ways. Leptospirosis can transfer from animals to humans , humans to humans, or animals to animals via intake of contaminated body fluids, such as urine and blood. [7]
Leptospirosis: Caused by bacterium of genus Leptospira: Water contaminated by the animal urine carrying the bacteria Begins with flu-like symptoms then resolves. The second phase then occurs involving meningitis, liver damage (causes jaundice), and kidney failure: Otitis Externa (swimmer's ear) Caused by a number of bacterial and fungal species.
Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) (2010). "Vaccination guidelines for the owners and breeders of dogs and cats" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-08-12; Horzinek, MC (2010). "Vaccination protocols for companion animals: the veterinarian's perspective".
Leptospira (from Ancient Greek λεπτός (leptós) 'fine, thin, narrow, etc.' and Latin spira 'coil') [1] is a genus of spirochaete bacteria, including a small number of pathogenic and saprophytic species. [2]
The majority of cases are due to the animal's bite. It can also be transmitted through food or water contaminated with rat feces or urine. Other animals can be infected with this disease, including weasels, gerbils, and squirrels. Household pets such as dogs or cats exposed to these animals can also carry the disease and infect humans.