Figure 1.

Factors important in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Organisms are shed in the urine of domestic and wildlife reservoir hosts, with rodents being the most significant reservoir host globally. Clinical illness occurs in humans and dogs when they are exposed to infected reservoir hosts or to organisms that persist in contaminated soil or water. Outbreaks may therefore be associated with flooding and increases in the rodent population. Prevention of the disease depends on accurate detection of infection using an array of diagnostic tests, and implementation of appropriate management strategies (such as control of reservoir hosts, appropriate treatment, vaccination of dogs and livestock).