Leptospirosis: An Update - Part 1 Of 2: Etiology, Ecology, Epidemiology, Prophylaxis And Contro / Leptospirose: Uma actualização - Parte 1 De 2: Etiologia, Ecologia, Epidemiologia, Profilaxia e Controlo

Abstract

Leptospirosis belongs to the category of neglected infectious diseases and, due to its great epidemic potential, its local distribution in tropical regions is of extreme importance. It is a worldwide public health problem, known for the emergence and reappearance of the disease, lack of sanitary conditions and abandonment of the disease. Human infections usually occur after skin contact with soil and/or water contaminated by the urine of chronically infected mammals. The clinical manifestations of the disease range from mild fever, chills and flu-like symptoms to acute forms of the disease. Based on these brief considerations, this article - part 1 of 2 - aims to discuss the biological, ecoepidemiological, prophylactic and control aspects of leptospirosis in Brazil.