Copied from an old post......
Leptospirosis has been in the increase since few years. It has been identified as an emerging problem in our neighbouring countries like India, Thailand, Vietnam & Cambodia too. In these countries the pet dogs are vaccinated.
Though there were millions spent in developing a Universal vaccine for Leptospirosis, it wasn't quite successful.
In China it was quite a problem since the 50's and escalated to epidemic levels in the 60's decade. They somehow reduced the infection count to three digits now. In fact they were using a sero-specific multivalent inactivated leptospirosis vaccine on several at risk populations. However, it's water and animal mangement that led to reduced infection rates.
Only other countries where a vaccine has been used is Cuba (Trivalent) , Japan & Sanofi-Pastuer France. All these are very old ones. A few companies are working on recombitant experimantal vaccines. Currently it's doxycycline to the rescue.
PS: Update - Fact sheet -
- Leptospira bacteria usually enter the body through skin cuts or abrasions, and occasionally through the lining of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
- Infections are usually associated with exposure to water, soil or mud contaminated with the urine from infected animals.
- Many different animals can harbour Leptospira bacteria in their kidneys.
- Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water has occasionally been responsible for transmission.
- Leptospirosis is not generally spread from person to person. - However, rare cases of transmission from sex and breastfeeding has been reported.
Note: There's a vaccine and a booster for dogs.
Note:
In 2020 with 8,579 reported cases and more than 800 estimated deaths, SL recorded the largest outbreak of leptospirosis. In 2021 there was 7038 recorded cases, in 2022 - 7001 cases and in 2023 - 5237 cases.