We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Leptospirosis Treatment?

By Jillian O Keeffe
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,512
Share

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium, so the primary leptospirosis treatment involves a course of oral antibiotics. Patients who are suffering from a serious form of the disease might also require injections of antibiotics. Complications might result in the patient having to undergo kidney dialysis or need medical assistance such as mechanical breathing support.

Bacteria called Leptospira cause leptospirosis. The dangerous form of the disease is also known as Weil's disease in some countries. Mild cases of leptospirosis resemble a flu-like illness, and people who are infected suffer symptoms such as fever, aching muscles and eye infection. Severe leptospirosis begins with similar symptoms but can worsen to the point where the organs of the body are damaged and the kidneys can stop working.

People who have a mild case of the disease might be prescribed a course of antibiotics to be taken by mouth for about a week. Doxycycline is a commonly prescribed leptospirosis treatment. Possible side effects from this medication include headache or a runny nose, as well as diarrhea or indigestion.

Another possible antibiotic is erythromycin, which might cause gastrointestinal side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea. Penicillin, ampicillin or ceftriaxone also are options. The entire course of antibiotics should be taken, even if the patient feels better during the antibiotic regimen. This is to ensure that all of the bacteria present are killed, because a low concentration of the bacteria can grow back again and cause further disease. Aches and pains caused by the disease can be alleviated through the use of over-the-counter painkillers.

If the disease is serious, the affected person requires hospitalization. Hospital staff members generally administer antibiotics to the patient but through injections rather than as tablets. If the patient has organ damage from the infection, the hospital staff can place him or her on a ventilator to help with breathing. If the kidneys have shut down, then dialysis, which involves removing the waste products from blood and mimics the function of healthy kidneys, might be necessary. Intravenous fluids that contain essential nutrients can also be administered to the patient as part of the leptospirosis treatment.

Prophylactic leptospirosis treatment with amoxicillin or doxycycline might help prevent infection of people who are traveling abroad in tropical areas that have a high risk of infection. The risk can also be reduced by avoiding stagnant water and not exposing cuts or the mucus membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth to water or soil that might be contaminated. Avoidance of animals and animal urine and feces is also helpful.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-leptospirosis-treatment.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.