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==Description==

==Introduction==

'''Leptospirosis''' is a disease caused by the bacteria [[Leptospira|''Leptospira interrogans'']]. It affects domestic species, wildlife and has zoonotic potential. There are several different serovars which vary in pathogenesis and their host specificity. Most infections result in a self limiting pyrexia and anorexia, however occasionally the condition is more serious causing '''recurrent uveitis''', '''abortion''', or renal and hepatic disease. Recurrent uveitis is the most important clinical syndrome associated with Leptospirosis. The association has been well recognised for many years, originally thought to be an immune-mediated disease involving a cross reaction between antibodies against leptospira and ocular tissues. There is now additional evidence that live leptospira persist in the ocular fluids, providing continuous antigetic stimulation resulting in high antibodies titres in aqueous humour in comparison to the serum, suggesting that the eye is an immune privileged site.       

'''Leptospirosis''' is a disease caused by the bacteria [[Leptospira|''Leptospira interrogans'']]. It affects domestic species, wildlife and has zoonotic potential. There are several different serovars which vary in pathogenesis and their host specificity. Most infections result in a self limiting pyrexia and anorexia, however occasionally the condition is more serious causing '''recurrent uveitis''', '''abortion''', or '''renal and hepatic disease'''. Recurrent uveitis is the most important clinical syndrome associated with Leptospirosis. The association has been well recognised for many years, originally thought to be an immune-mediated disease involving a cross reaction between antibodies against leptospira and ocular tissues. There is now additional evidence that live leptospira persist in the ocular fluids, providing continuous antigetic stimulation resulting in high antibodies titres in aqueous humour in comparison to the serum, suggesting that the eye is an immune privileged site.       

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

Exposure to the disease is worldwide, with the predominant serovar varying with location. Serological studies show that exposure is high but clinical disease is low.  

Exposure to the disease is worldwide, with the predominant serovar varying with location. Serological studies show that exposure is high but clinical disease is low.  

    

    

==Clinical signs==

===Clinical signs===

Infection with pathogenic Leptospira species cause a bacteraemia with the following clinical signs

Infection with pathogenic Leptospira species cause a bacteraemia with the following clinical signs

* Pyrexia

* Pyrexia

Horses with subclinical infections or those in the carrier state are asymptomatic.  

Horses with subclinical infections or those in the carrier state are asymptomatic.  

===Laboratory Tests===

==Laboratory Tests==

Culture of Leptospira is challenging but can be attempted from urine, blood and aqueous humour in antemortem diagnosis, or from liver, kidney, fetus or placenta in post mortem diagnosis.  

Culture of Leptospira is challenging but can be attempted from urine, blood and aqueous humour in antemortem diagnosis, or from liver, kidney, fetus or placenta in post mortem diagnosis.  

A MAT or ELISA on serum is a more sensitive diagnostic method. Paired titres 4 weeks apart are optimal.  

A monoclonal antibody test (MAT) or [[ELISA testing|ELISA]] on serum is a more sensitive diagnostic method. Paired titres 4 weeks apart are optimal.  

===Ultrasound===

===Ultrasound===

'''Systemic antibiotics''' are indicated for pyrexic horses and those with acute renal failure. Appropriate antibiotics include [[Penicillins|pencillins]], [[Cephalosporins|cephalosporins]], enrofloxacin and  [[Tetracyclines|tetracyclines]]. IV fluid therapy is also warranted as supportive therapy in cases of acute renal failure.   

'''Systemic antibiotics''' are indicated for pyrexic horses and those with acute renal failure. Appropriate antibiotics include [[Penicillins|pencillins]], [[Cephalosporins|cephalosporins]], enrofloxacin and  [[Tetracyclines|tetracyclines]]. IV fluid therapy is also warranted as supportive therapy in cases of acute renal failure.   

Horses which are acutely affected and those aborting due to leptospirosis should be isolated for 14-16 weeks. After this time urine should be tested to determine whether the horse is shedding the organism.  

Horses which are acutely affected and those aborting due to leptospirosis should be isolated for 14-16 weeks. After this time urine should be tested to determine whether the horse is shedding the organism.  

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of organ involvement. In ophthalmic cases recovery may be incomplete, alternating between times of acute disease and symptom-free periods. In cases of abortion the mare will usually recover without complications. Prognosis is guarded for the renal, hepatic and neonatal syndromes in acute and severe cases.

Prognosis depends on the severity of the disease and the degree of organ involvement. In ophthalmic cases recovery may be incomplete, alternating between times of acute disease and symptom-free periods. In cases of abortion the mare will usually recover without complications. Prognosis is guarded for the renal, hepatic and neonatal syndromes in acute and severe cases.

   

   

==References==

==References==

* Robinson, N.E., Sprayberry, K.A. (2009) '''Current Therapy in Equine Medicine''' (Sixth Edition) ''Saunders Elsevier''

* Robinson, N.E., Sprayberry, K.A. (2009) '''Current Therapy in Equine Medicine''' (Sixth Edition) ''Saunders Elsevier''

[[Category:To_Do_-_lizzyk]]

[[Category:Expert_Review]]

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

[[Category:Reproductive Disorders - Horse]]

[[Category:Reproductive Disorders - Horse]]

[[Category:Zoonoses]]

[[Category:Zoonoses]]