Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease): Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development)

Circa 200 serovars of leptospires can be distinguished, among the human pathogens:

  • Leptospira icterohaemorrhagica (Weil’s disease).
  • Leptospira canicola (canicola fever).
  • Leptospira bataviae (field, mud, harvest fever).
  • Leptospira pomona (pig guardian disease).

Leptospires occur worldwide. Transmission occurs directly/indirectly from animals to humans.

In Germany, most infections occur through contact with sewage or sludge contaminated with urine from infected rodents. Horses and dogs are also possible carriers. Groups of people at risk are sewer workers, animal caretakers or employees of sewage treatment plants or on farms. Furthermore: Veterinarians, farmers, fishermen, water sportsmen and campers; as well as risk history (contact with infected animals). In our latitudes, the disease occurs mainly seasonally in summer and early autumn. Weil’s disease is an infection with the pathogen Leptospira icterohaemorrhagica. This enters the body through minute skin lesions or the uninjured conjunctiva and can then infect all organs of the body.

Etiology (Causes)

Biographic causes

  • Occupations – sewer worker, animal caretaker, or sewage treatment plant or farm worker.

Disease-related causes.

Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99).

  • Infection with the bacterium
    • Directly through contact with infected animals
    • Indirectly through contact with infected water, etc.