LEPTOSPIROSIS (Leptospira spp. )
• Leptospirosis, an acute bacterial infection caused by infection with pathogenic species in the genus Leptospira, is an important and emerging zoonotic disease globally. • Although more than 300 different Leptospira serovars have been identified, 1 only a limited number have been demonstrated to infect dogs and cats. 2 • Most cases in humans in Australia relate to occupational (agricultural) or recreational (e.g. water sports, kayaking) exposure. Infection via companion animals is thought to be uncommon but should be considered particularly in the context of a veterinary clinic with clinical cases of leptospirosis.
ACAZAP RECOMMENDATIONS
• Vets are at greater risk than the general population from companion animal transmitted leptospirosis due to frequent exposure to sick, potentially infected animals. • Leptospirosis should be considered a differential diagnosis in any dog exhibiting signs of a non-specific illness or signs of haemorrhagic, renal or hepatic disease. • In a veterinary practice setting where leptospirosis is suspected, consider restricting movement of the animal, disinfecting areas of contact, and placing the suspected cases into isolation facilities or restricted areas of the hospital. Consider an indwelling urinary catheter for urinary output. Catheter bags and materials contaminated with urine should be disposed of in clinical waste to minimise environmental contamination beyond the veterinary clinic. • Preventative strategies should be considered for those at high occupational or recreational risk. These measures include the use of protective clothing and gloves, and covering cuts and wounds with waterproof dressings when in contact with potentially infectious material (urine or contaminated soil, mud
or water). Hands should be thoroughly washed after potential exposure. Full personal protective equipment is recommended for managing cases in the hospital setting. • Pressure washing of kennels and runs should be avoided as it may contribute to aerosolisation of urine. Regular hosing may also pose a risk of aerosolisation, and should be avoided where possible. • Vaccination of dogs is possible, however immunity is serovar, or at best serogroup specific. Vaccination of dogs has been shown to reduce but not eliminate shedding. 3 • In addition to the leptospirosis patient, any other dogs living in the same household should receive oral doxycycline therapy for two weeks. • Whilst treated dogs represent a low risk to household members, until proper antimicrobial therapy is completed owners should avoid contact with their dog’s urine, cover all cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing and wear gloves if cleaning up pet urine.
IN ANIMALS
AETIOLOGY AND EPIDEMIOLOGY • Originally classified into two species (pathogenic Leptospira interrogans and non-pathogenic saprophytic Leptospira bireflexa), the taxonomy and nomenclature of Leptospira is complex and constantly evolving, with more modern classification based on genomic sequencing increasing
the number of identified species. More than 300 serovars have been identified, although only a few have been shown to cause disease in companion animals. 1-3 • Leptospires are maintained in different host-adapted species, dependent on the serovar, and thus an understanding of circulating serovars is important when considering risk
CONTENTS
58 Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines
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