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Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria, can impact different organs in the body. It frequently spreads through contact with water, soil, or food contaminated by infected animals’ urine. The severity of the infection can vary and, if left untreated, can lead to severe organ damage, such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart.
1. Serious Liver Damage
One of the main organs impacted by leptospirosis is the liver. The infection can cause jaundice, a condition characterised by the skin and eyes turning yellow. In serious cases, it may escalate to liver failure, where the liver’s capacity to detoxify the body and produce vital proteins is weakened. Complications such as bleeding disorders and fluid retention can occur.
2. Kidney Failure
The kidneys are specifically prone to leptospirosis effects. This infection can cause acute kidney injury, which, if left untreated, can lead to kidney failure. Kidney failure can cause waste products to accumulate in the body, needing dialysis as treatment. Serious kidney involvement is linked to a condition called Weil’s disease, which is a serious form of leptospirosis.
3. Lungs and Respiratory Function
Leptospirosis can cause pulmonary complications as well. Some people may go through shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood because of lung inflammation. This condition is called pulmonary haemorrhage, and it can be fatal if not treated right away. The lungs’ capacity to oxygenate the body may be notably impaired in serious cases.
4. Heart Problems and Cardiovascular Issues
Leptospirosis can impact the heart in addition to internal organs like the kidneys and liver. In certain cases, the infection can cause the heart muscle to become inflamed, leading to myocarditis. This condition can interfere with the heart’s capacity to pump blood successfully, causing irregular heartbeats or even heart failure in extreme cases.
5. Central Nervous System
Additionally, leptospirosis may cause neurological effects as well, specifically when it impacts the central nervous system (CNS). In serious cases, it can lead to meningitis or encephalitis, conditions characterised by brain inflammation and surrounding tissues. Symptoms such as confusion, headache, and seizures may be included. If left untreated, these complications can lead to lasting nervous system damage.
6. Gastrointestinal Problems
Gastrointestinal symptoms are regularly seen in people with leptospirosis. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. In more serious cases, it can cause gastrointestinal bleeding. These symptoms are usually among the initial signs of infection and may occur with other organ-specific conditions such as jaundice and kidney failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to prevent leptospirosis in places where outbreaks occur easily?
Leptospirosis prevention includes keeping away from water or soil that is potentially contaminated with animal urine, specifically in places vulnerable to flooding or has poor sanitation. Gearing up in protective gear, such as boots and gloves, while working in vulnerable environments, and making sure drinking water is clean through boiling or filtering, are important preventive measures. Ensuring your pets and livestock are vaccinated can decrease the transmission risk, too.
2. What are the initial signs of leptospirosis before organ damage happens?
Initial signs of leptospirosis usually mimic the flu and may include symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. These early signs may occur within 2-14 days of exposure and can occasionally resolve on their own. However, without prompt diagnosis and treatment, the infection can escalate and start impacting different organs.&
3. Is leptospirosis contagious among humans?
Transmission of leptospirosis from person to person is very uncommon, but can happen through direct contact with an infected person’s urine or body fluids (excluding saliva). In contrast to this, the disease is more regularly spread through contact with environments contaminated by the infected animals’ urine.
4. How does the immune system combat leptospirosis?
The immune system serves an important role in combating the Leptospira bacteria. Once the bacteria enter the body, the immune system creates antibodies to find and destroy them. However, the seriousness of the infection is usually dependent on the person’s immune response and general health. There is a higher likelihood for the bacteria to spread to people with weakened immune systems, causing serious organ damage.&
Schedule an Appointment at Pantai Hospitals
If you think you are experiencing leptospirosis symptoms, seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can notably decrease the risk of complications. At Pantai Hospitals, our expert medical team provides comprehensive care and personalised treatment plans to manage leptospirosis and its effects.
If you have concerns about leptospirosis or need assistance, please reach out to your nearest Pantai Hospitals by making an appointment through our website, or download our MyHealth360 application from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.
