Leptospirosis and what you need to know about this zoonotic disease

Leptospirosis is more common in areas where the soil is moist, contains a lot of humus, and has a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. The disease is observed at any time of the year, but in animals kept on pasture mainly in the summer-autumn period. 

The disease is characterized by pronounced symptoms and a severe course: high fever, short-term fever, hemoglobinuria, jaundice and hemorrhages, neurological reactions, necrosis of the mucous membranes and skin, atony of the gastrointestinal tract, abortion, but can be asymptomatic.

Bacteria of the genus Leptospira are often transmitted from infected animals to humans. This usually occurs through contact with the urine, saliva or tissue of infected animals, and through contaminated water, soil or plants. Most often, people become infected when working with animals, on farms or livestock farms, as well as MEAT processing plants and laboratories. Infection can also occur by swimming in contaminated freshwater and riverine bodies of water or by drinking contaminated water or food.

Under natural conditions, leptospirosis most often affects pigs and cattle . Buffaloes, horses, sheep, goats, dogs, foxes, arctic foxes, minks, cats, domestic and wild birds, white mice, etc. are susceptible. 

Leptospira enters the body of animals and humans through damaged areas of the skin (scratches, cuts, wounds, bites), mucous membranes of the oral and nasal cavities, eyes, genital tract and through the gastrointestinal tract.

The diagnosis of leptospirosis is made based on clinical symptoms, a history of exposure to infected animals or the environment, and laboratory testing. The most common diagnostic methods are tests for the presence of antibodies to Leptospira bacteria in the blood or urine.

In January 2023, the testing laboratory of the Transbaikal branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Center for Grain Quality Assessment" expanded the scope of accreditation to conduct diagnostic tests for leptospirosis using the polymerase chain reaction method. 

According to the results of studies conducted by the department of veterinary and sanitary examination within the framework of the state task (epizootic monitoring) for the first half of 2023, DNA of the causative agent of leptospirosis was found in 31 blood samples of pigs.

Laboratory specialists conduct a complete analysis of the received material for the presence of pathogen DNA within 6 hours. To detect pathogen DNA, clinical material (blood, urine), pathological material (brain tissue, lungs, kidneys from animals), as well as food (minced meat, sausage, etc.), microbial cultures and swabs are used as test material . surfaces.

An outbreak of leptospirosis in the region threatens significant material costs to eliminate and prevent the spread of the disease. When a focus of infection occurs among farm animals, MILK yield decreases, the growth of young animals slows down, and the productivity of adults decreases. These factors, combined with the costs of diagnosing and preventing the disease, cause significant economic damage.

Prevention of leptospirosis includes a number of measures. The first step is to avoid contact with infected animals and areas where the infection is widespread. Strict handling of animals on farms and other livestock production facilities is required, using protective equipment when working with animals and avoiding the consumption of contaminated water or food.

Leptospirosis can cause significant complications in humans. it is important to take precautions, especially when working with animals. Early detection and treatment are also important aspects in controlling this disease. 

It is necessary to carry out preventive measures, as well as inform the population and people traveling to endemic areas and engaged in livestock breeding about the risk of contracting leptospirosis.