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Category: Canine,Feline
Leptospira interrogans, Leptospirosis
Canine typhus, infectious jaundice, Leptospira
AffectedAnimals:
Dogs, cats, humans, and all other animals can become infected with different types, or serovars, of Leptospira.
Overview:
A contagious bacterial disease of animals that can be passed on to humans, leptospirosis affects the kidneys and the liver, causing damage that can lead to organ failure and death. Typically, rodents and wild animals are carriers of the disease. Infection occurs most commonly when the mucous membrane or abraded skin of an animal or human comes into contact with urine containing the infective leptospire bacteria.
Once infected, the organism begins to replicate in various tissues and causes significant infection in the liver and kidneys, with clinical signs developing within a week of exposure. Cats tend not to be significantly affected by leptospirosis. Dogs, however, can develop serious clinical disease, although not all canines with leptospirosis will show clinical signs of infection. In fact, many animals that have this disease will be asymptomatic or will have chronic or mild symptoms.
Animals can transmit leptospirosis to their owners. People who suspect that they have been exposed to infection should consult a physician.
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