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

See Examples For:

leptospirosis

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

Pet owners should also contact their local veterinary clinic to see if there’s a leptospirosis vaccine available for their dogs.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2025

Many cities in the state are still under water and conditions could see leptospirosis cases go up.

From BBC ● May 25, 2024

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 ● Apr. 3, 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