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Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease found worldwide and is caused by a
spirochete (spiral-shaped bacteria), Leptospira. There are eight
major types and more than 200 sub-types, or serovars. Although there is
one type (pomona that infects marine mammals (seals, sea lions and
polar bears), the disease is mostly associated with cattle, pigs, dogs and
cats in which it causes abortion and kidney and liver complications. In other animals
such as rodents and ground mammals such as squirrels, infection is sub-clinical (no symptoms of disease). In
humans, the most severe cases involve kidney or liver failure and mental
aberrations. The most widely known route of infection is exposure to urine
of host animals, whether directly or by swimming in
or drinking contaminated water. A vaccine is available for cattle, swine
and dogs. Hunters and wildlife workers should exercise care when handling dead or living animals.
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ILIAD-Tanzania