Leptospirosis: A Zoonotic Disease with Reproductive Implications

Abstract

Leptospirosis, a long-standing zoonotic threat that has been recognized for more than a century, has drawn more attention because of its significant effects on public health, especially when it comes to reproductive health. This bacterial disease, that is caused by the spirochete bacterium of genus Leptospira, is quite common around the world and affects both developed and developing countries. The complex nature of leptospirosis transmission, which is deeply intertwined with eco-epidemiological contexts, demands comprehension of its multiple manifestations. The disease's diverse epidemiology is attributed to the vectors that carry it from urban to rural areas, including contaminated water sources and rats. Within the complex landscape of pathogenesis, leptospirosis presents as an acute bacterial septicemic febrile sickness that affects multiple organs and systems. The disease's severity is highlighted by its chronic form, referred as Weil's syndrome, which affects both people and animals. It also has a major impact on reproductive health, since it increases the risk of infertility, abortion, and stillbirth in females. Diagnostic techniques, essential for prompt intervention, involves dark-field microscopy and serological testing. The diagnosis is complicated, necessitating careful specimen collection. The zoonotic nature of the disease, as evidenced by the facts, demands heightened awareness, especially among the people who are at risk. Effective control strategies such as vaccination, chemoprophylaxis, and herd management are crucial since the disease can impact a wide range of populations, including farmers, sewage workers, and medical personnel. This chapter offers a thorough examination of leptospirosis, covering its etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and complex zoonotic network. The emphasis on reproductive implications highlights the need for more knowledge and investigation to improve animal and human health outcomes in the face of this persistent public health issue.