leptospirosis

[ lep-toh-spahy-roh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology, Veterinary Pathology.

1. an infectious disease of humans and of horses, dogs, swine, and other animals, caused by the spirochete Leptospira interrogans and characterized by fever, muscle pain, and jaundice, and in severe cases involving the liver and kidney.

leptospirosis

/ ˌlɛptəʊspaɪˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. any of several infectious diseases caused by spirochaete bacteria of the genus Leptospira, transmitted to man by animals and characterized by jaundice, meningitis, and kidney failure Also calledWeil's disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of leptospirosis¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1925–30; leptospira, -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of leptospirosis¹

C20: from New Latin Leptospira ( lepto- + Greek speira coil + -osis )

Example Sentences

Authorities in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have confirmed 54 cases of the waterborne leptospirosis disease after the region experienced unprecedented floods in the months of April and May.

From BBC

Health experts had previously forecast a surge in infectious diseases including leptospirosis and hepatitis B within a couple weeks of the floods, as sewage mixed into the floodwaters.

From Seattle Times

Brown rats are known to spread a bacterial disease called leptospirosis, which is caused by bacteria in the urine of infected animals.

From Seattle Times

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and even death without treatment.

From Washington Times

“The big one, of course, is rabies. Rabies is a killer… but there's also parvovirus. There's distemper. There's roundworm. There's leptospirosis. I mean, I could go on and on.”

From National Geographic