Leptospirosis
Johanna L. Watson • Gary P. Carlson
Leptospira infections produce disease in several species including cattle, sheep, swine, horses, dogs, and humans, but the acute hemolytic syndrome associated with these infections is seen most commonly in calves and lambs.
Leptospira interrogans serovars pomona and icterohaemorrhagiae are the serotypes usually involved in the hemolytic syndrome. Clinical signs of the hemolytic syndrome vary but generally include fever, lethargy, icterus, anemia, and petechial hemorrhages. The anemia is brought about at least in part by immune-mediated mechanisms. Cold-reacting IgM antibodies have been implicated in the hemolytic anemia seen in lambs. The degree of anemia is variable but can be severe, with evidence of bone marrow response apparent in the peripheral blood within 4 to 7 days. A moderate leukocytosis and elevation in plasma fibrinogen are often associated with the hemolytic anemia. The diagnosis is made on the basis of demonstration of the organism in the urine, PCR, and documenting an increase in serum antibody titer. Discussion of leptospirosis as a reproductive, renal, and ocular problem can be found in other chapters.
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