Human infection may result from indirect or direct exposure to infected urine, often through contaminated water or soil. The spectrum of leptospiral disease is broad and may include fever, headache, chills, myalgia, abdominal pain, and conjunctival suffusion. Pulmonary hemorrhage is less common in the Western Hemisphere. Prophylaxis For adults with short-term, high risk exposure, doxycycline provides effective prophylaxis when administered weekly in a single oral dose of 200mg. Treatment Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice for leptospirosis, and the treatment should be initiated early in the course of the illness.
Alternatives are amoxicillin, ampicillin, doxycycline and tetracycline.
Supportive therapy is essential for managing dehydration, hypotension, hemorrhage, renal failure, and pulmonary involvement.