Prevention and treatment of leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a common zoonosis acquired by exposure to body fluids, to tissues of infected animals, or to contaminated soil or fresh water. Large outbreaks of leptospirosis have occurred following excess rainfall or in tourists following exposure to fresh water during adventure activities. Prevention may be achieved through the use of protective clothing or by changes in animal husbandry. Immunization is not widely used in human populations but has a role in agriculture. Oral administration of doxycycline (Periostat , CollaGenex) once-weekly can give short-term protection in high-risk environments. The disease in humans has a broad range of symptoms. Treatment may be symptomatic or may require administration of antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin.
Edwards
Charles N
CN
Department of Medicine and University of the West Indies School of Clinical Medicine & Research, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Bardados. cedwards@sunbeach.net
Levett
Paul N
PN
D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007919:Leptospira / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects; D007922:Leptospirosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D015047:Zoonoses
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents