Leptospirosis: A Review of the Silent Threat in West Africa

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease of public health importance causing significant mortalities among animals and humans. Due to negligence, rapid, unplanned urbanization, and poor sanitation, leptospirosis emerges as a leading cause of acute febrile illness in many developing countries. Yet, an understanding of the epidemiology of leptospirosis in animals remains a knot to untie hence more scientific evidence is required on the disease epidemiology. The literature search was conducted to select and compile peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and international organization proceedings on the epidemiology, control, and impacts of leptospirosis. In the majority of the cases reported, the infections are asymptomatic. Although recreational exposure is also known to occur, occupational exposure to rodents and other animals is the primary method of transmission. Those who are at risk include healthcare professionals, animal handlers, farmers and agricultural workers, sanitary workers, fishermen, hunters, and sewage workers. The clinical signs range from flu to acute kidney injury/failure, icterus, pneumonia, and pulmonary haemorrhage with many rare clinical manifestations being reported and documented worldwide. Leptospirosis poses a significant threat to both animal and human health globally. The intricate interplay between transmission dynamics, reservoir hosts, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive strategies highlights the complexity of this zoonotic disease.