Leptospirosis. A re-emerging zoonotic disease.
Leptospirosis is a re-emerging infectious disease that occurs in dogs in urban and rural environments. It is caused by a filamentous spiral bacterium that has a predilection for renal tubules. Acute renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, and hemorrhagic diathesis are the most common clinical signs. Treatment with antibiotics and supportive care can manage a high percentage of cases successfully. Newer vaccines developed in response to the change in frequency of certain serovars may decrease the incidence of clinical disease. Leptospirosis affects a wide variety of species and is zoonotic.
Langston
Cathy E
CE
Renal Medicine Service, Animal Medical Center, 510 East 62nd Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. cathy.langston@amcny.org
Heuter
Kerry J
KJ
D000818:Animals; D021821:Communicable Diseases, Emerging; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D004285:Dogs; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D015047:Zoonoses