Leptospirosis - Treatments - Better Medicine

How is leptospirosistreated?

Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria or by stopping them from reproducing and spreading. Different types of antibiotics are effective for treating specific types of bacteria. Antibiotics used to treat leptospirosis include:

Amoxicillin (Amoxil)
Ampicillin (Omnipen, Polycillin)
Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
Penicillin

Treatment with oral antibiotics should be started early in the course of leptospirosis. With early treatment, the prognosis for leptospirosis is generally good. In some serious cases, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be needed.

Treatment of leptospirosis also includes:

Good nutrition
Hospitalization and intensive care when necessary
Increased fluids
Over-the-counter medicines for fever, headache and nausea
Rest

What are the potential complications of leptospirosis?

In some people, leptospirosis can lead to serious or even life-threatening complications. It is important to contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of or have risk factors for leptospirosis. Complications of leptospirosis include:

Endocarditis
Heart failure
Hemorrhage (severe bleeding)
Kidney failure
Liver failure
Meningitis
Respiratory failure

You can best treat leptospirosis and lower your risk of complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you.

INTRODUCTION

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a rare bacterial disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Humans contract leptospirosis by swallowing contaminated water or food, or through contact with contaminated soil, water or food. Water, soil and food can become contaminated by mixing with animal urine that contains Leptospira bacteria.... Read more about leptospirosis introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?

Symptoms of leptospirosis develop anywhere from two to 26 days following exposure to Leptospira bacteria. The average time it takes to develop symptoms is 10 days. In some cases, there may be no symptoms of infection. Symptoms can be moderate to serious and even life-threatening in some cases.... Read more about leptospirosis symptoms

CAUSES

What causes leptospirosis?

Leptospira bacteria cause leptospirosis. These bacteria are found in water, food or soil contaminated by infected animal urine, usually in warm and tropical climates. Animals that may be infected include cows, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, and a variety of wild animals. Humans can become infected by drinking contaminated water and food, or when mucous membranes or broken skin come in contact with contaminated material. Leptospirosis is usually not transmitted from person to person.... Read more about leptospirosis causes