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. 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

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

The rains have stranded millions mid-commute, left cars floating in streets that have turned into rivers and caused outbreaks of leptospirosis, a liver ailment that spreads through the excrement of sewer rats.

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

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It's an antibiotic to prevent flood-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, which attacks the liver.

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In just one 24 hour period this week, the country's largest hospital reported a dozen cases of leptospirosis.

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Aside from dengue, the DOH said the rains have also fuelled a spike in influenza-like diseases and cases of leptospirosis, a rat-borne disease that people get when wading in flood waters.

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