Adults dogs Leptospirosis
DEFINITION
A bacterial disease affecting humans and animals, caused by pathogenic subtypes (serovars) of Leptospira spp
RISK FACTORS
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Suburban or rural environment
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Outdoor exercise areas/activities
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Exposure to wildlife or livestock (maintenance hosts)
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Exposure to moist environments/ standing water or to raw sewage
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Flooding
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Human risk factors: direct contact with domestic animals, environmental exposure (e.g., fisheries, rice fields, water sports), exposure to wild rodents (urban areas of poor sanitation)
PROGNOSIS AND OUTCOME
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Survival rates for patients with clinical leptospirosis: 70%-85%
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Patients with acute renal failure are frequently oliguric to anuric and may require dialysis
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Survivors may have persisting/chronic kidney (common) or liver dysfunction.