Leptospirosis is an infectious disease of humans and animals that is caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. It is considered the most common zoonosis in the world.[1] Leptospirosis has been recognized as a re-emerging infectious disease among animals and humans[2] and has the potential to become even more prevalent with anticipated global warming. Leptospirosis is distributed worldwide (sparing the Polar Regions) but is most common in the tropics.
Leptospira species infect a wide range of animals, including mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. Humans are rarely chronic carriers and are therefore considered accidental hosts. The organism is typically transmitted via exposure of mucous membranes or abraded skin to the body fluid of an acutely infected animal or by exposure to soil or fresh water contaminated with the urine of an animal that is a chronic carrier.