Leptospira interrogans serovar Lai str. 56601

Leptospira interrogans causes leptospirosis whose manifestations are fever, headache, malaise, myalgia, occasionally meningitidis, sometimes jaundice, renal insufficiency, anemia and hemorrhage of the skin. Rarely lethal. Worldwide spread except in polar regions. Contamination occurs through contact of the skin or mucous membranes with contaminated water, soil or vegetation or through direct contact with urine or tissues of infected animals. Farm and pet animals, including cattle, dogs, horses and swine, rats and other rodents act as the normal carrier host; wild animals, including deer, squirrels, foxes, skunks and even reptiles and amphibians may be infected. (HAMAP: LEPIC)