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Leptospirosis and Jaundice

Also known as infectious or hemorrhagic jaundice, leptospirosis is an infection caused by the bacterium leptospira interrogans, according to the Leptospirosis Information Center. Infection rates are highest in subtropical and tropical regions. However, leptospirosis is on the rise in urban centers with subpar sanitation. Of the estimated 10 million people who will catch leptospirosis annually, 5 to 10 percent will result in fatality, reports the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom.

  1. Weil's Disease

    • The acute, life-threatening form of leptospirosis, in which the patient contracts jaundice, is called Weil's disease. Additional symptoms include shock, inflammation of the heart and kidney failure, according to the NHS. Approximately 5 to 10 percent of people with leptospirosis will suffer from the more serious Weil's disease. Although rare, the acute form can occur in underdeveloped regions where medical resources are limited.

    Causes of Leptospirosis

    • Leptospirosis is a zoonotic (communicable from animals to humans) condition. In 90 percent of the cases, infection results from exposure to the urine of infected animals. Typically, exposure occurs when people come into contact with contaminated drinking or recreational water (e.g., swimming). Because the bacterium is unable to pass through dry unbroken skin, it enters the bloodstream via cut skin and mucous membranes lining the mouth and lungs, according to the Leptospirosis Information Center. Airborne transmission only occurs if contaminated water is sprayed onto a point of entry in the body.

    First-Stage Symptoms

    • The gravity of the infection depends on a few factors, including the strain and amount of bacteria that has entered the body and the health of the patient. Symptoms typically develop within a week or two after contact with the bacteria. There are two stages to the infection, reports the Leptospirosis Information Center. In the first stage, symptoms resemble those of influenza---e.g., fever, headaches, chills and joint pain. Other symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes and vomiting.

    Second-Stage Symptoms

    • Some cases will enter a second stage about a week after the first stage has ended. The bacteria spread to organs such as the brain, eyes, lungs, liver and kidneys. If left unattended, the patient can experience liver and kidney failure within 10 days. To avoid jaundice, if not death, the patient must be hospitalized and given dialysis, antibiotics and fluids. Some patients may need assistance to breathe. In extreme cases, patients may suffer from psychological disturbances and require sedation.

    Persistent Leptospirosis

    • Persistent human leptospirosis (PHL), where bacteria remains in isolated pockets in the body, can affect a patient's long-term health, according to the Leptospirosis Information Center. Reported symptoms are fatigue, depression, sore eyes and psychological disturbances (mood swings). In a few cases of PHL, parainfectious encephalopmyelitis occurs. This type of injury to the nervous system may manifest as epilepsy, meningitis, muscle fragility and difficulties with balance. To date, there is no treatment for PHL.

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