leptospirosis

American  

[lep-toh-spahy-roh-sis] / ˌlɛp toʊ spaɪˈroʊ sɪs /

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.

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leptospirosis British  

/ ˌlɛptəʊspaɪˈrəʊsɪs /

noun

1. Also called: Weil's disease.  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

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Etymology

Origin of leptospirosis

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

Example Sentences

Humans can get leptospirosis, contracting the illness through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2025

During that time, leptospirosis nearly disappeared among the sea lion population, Rulli said.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2025

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 • May 25, 2024

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 • May 22, 2024

They include cat scratch fever from our cats, leptospirosis from our dogs, psittacosis from our chickens and parrots, and brucellosis from our cattle.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond