by eturo
Laman sa mga dyaryo maging sa TV at radio ang sakit na LESTOSPIROSIS. Base na rin sa mga napapanuod ko sa telebisyon (sa TV Patrol...kapamilya kasi ako eh.hihi) marami na rin ang mga namamatay dahil sa disease na ito. Sabi nila, ito ay nagmumula or sanhi ito ng bacteria na mula sa ihi na Daga (rat sa Ingles) na pumapasok sa katawan ng tao through a small cut or wound (sugat). Kaya nga problema sa hospital sa iba't-ibang parte ng ating bansa particular sa mga binahang bahagi kagaya sa Cagayan de Oro kung saan dagsaan ang mga taong may sintomas sa sakit na ito. Mas malala pala ito kaysa sa maputukan ng paputok dahil ito ay deadly as in nakakamatay.
So, para sa lahat, I have here an important article regarding this unpopular but deadly disease from wisegeek.com.
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Leptospirosis
is caused by leptospires, a type of bacterium called a spirochete. When
examined microscopically, leptospira is shaped similar to a question
mark. If the bacterium enter the bloodstream, a dog can be infected and
develop canine leptospirosis.
A dog may become infected if an open wound or skin abrasion comes into contact with the urine
of an infected host. Upon entering the bloodstream, symptoms such as
fever, joint pain, and nausea occur. Once the organism reaches the kidney, reproduction occurs and can lead to inflammation, kidney failure,
liver failure and death. Other symptoms include excessive bleeding
caused by low platelet count, depression and loss of appetite or general
malaise.
To help prevent the contraction of canine leptospirosis,
dogs receive the lepto vaccine as part of routine puppy vaccinations
and later the basic distemper
vaccine. The vaccine is generally called DHLPP, with the L representing
leptospirosis. Though the vaccine may not prevent all outbreaks, it is
useful in the prevention of four strains by generating antibodies.
Leptospirosis is detected through blood testing.
An infected dog may become ill, but treatment is possible as the
bacteria causing the disease have thus far been sensitive to penicillin.
Nonetheless, treatment of an infected dog often requires additional
veterinarian intervention including intravenous fluids, tetracycline
therapy and possibly hemodialysis. The success of treatment and prognosis
depends largely upon the stage of treatment and extent of organ damage
at the time of diagnosis. For this reason, routine dog vaccinations are
important to the health of dogs.
Other animals can also become infected with leptospirosis, as can
humans. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates approximately
one-third of human cases are caused by dogs, while the remaining cases
are caused by other animals, specifically rats. While vaccination
against leptospirosis will reduce the severity of the disease should a
dog contract it, it does not prevent the dog from becoming a carrier.
For puppies and dogs who receive the complete distemper vaccine, some
reactions to vaccination are common and include soreness of the
injection site, swelling of the injection site, and temporary loss of
appetite or ill feeling. Difficulty breathing, hives or facial swelling
should be reported to a veterinarian immediately. Although there has
been some concern about increased vaccine reactions in some breeds of
dogs, newer vaccines seem to have reduced these side effects. Veterinary
experts generally recommend this vaccine.
Leptospirosis is often mistaken for viral meningitis or hepatitis.
However, the two distinct phases differentiate it from these infections.
Also, you must have been in contact with an animal or with water in
which animals urinate to get leptospirosis.
Tests
Samples of blood, urine, or fluid from around the spinal cord will
grow bacteria on special culture plates. The doctor must request such
testing; it is not routinely done. The blood can also be sent to state
laboratories for antibody testing.
Some people with leptospirosis have no symptoms at all, others have a
mild illness, and still others have a severe illness with meningitis
and liver failure. It depends upon what type of leptospire infects you.
Incubation Period
The incubation period is 2 to 26 days, with an average of 7 to 13 days.
Infectiousness
The leptospires are excreted in your urine for as long as one month.
However, it is rare for this infection to spread from person to person.
Immunity
You become immune after infection, but can become ill again if you are exposed to a different type of leptospire.
Complications
Weil’s syndrome is a severe form of leptospirosis that affects the
liver and kidneys, causing jaundice, decreased urine, change in
consciousness, fevers, internal bleeding, and anemia. Almost everyone
recovers completely.
Penicillin given intravenously does the job best. For milder
illnesses, you can take ampicillin or doxycycline by mouth for five to
seven days. Studies show that even if you start the antibiotic seven
days into your illness, it will still work.
Nursing Care
Rest, and treat the fever with acetaminophen. Contact your doctor about these signs or symptoms:
• Headaches
• Stiff neck
• Changes in amount or color of urine
• Jaundice
• Nausea
• Bruising
• Rashes
• Change in consciousness
Avoid swimming or wading in warm waters that may be contaminated by animal urine.
Animals can be vaccinated against leptospirosis, but the vaccine only
prevents illness, not infection. The animal can still shed bacteria in
its urine and infect humans. Animal workers who may become infected
around animals must wear protective clothing. A Panama study proved that
doxycycline taken once weekly prevents leptospirosis during periods of
high exposure. People in Japan, China, Italy, Spain, France, and Israel
who work in high risk areas are vaccinated.
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Kaya mga igan, payo lang, mag-ingat tayo lagi ng di tayo mapatay ng napakaliit na bacteria lamang. Be safe always!
Photo courtesy from: http://lotofguides.com/560/leptospirosis-test-incubation-period-immunity-complications-nursing-care.html
