Leptospirosis: epidemiology, clinical aspects and diagnosis

Leptospirosis is among the most widespread zoonotic diseases in the world. The clinical manifestations of the disease are not specific, can vary widely and therefore are consistent with many other diseases. A diagnosis can only be confirmed with certainty by laboratory tests. Infectious leptospires live in the urogenital system of their host and are excreted via the urine. Indirect transmission is the main route of infection; leptospirosis is particularly endemic in (sub)tropical regions where environmental conditions are favorable for survival. Recent studies led by the World Health Organization estimated that there are worldwide more than one million cases of severe leptospirosis, and about 60,000 deaths per year. The aim of this thesis is to (i) examine the epidemiological parameters of leptospirosis in humans and animals, and (ii) to examine the value of diagnostic laboratory tests.