Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae

Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae is the cause of a type of jaundice in humans called Weil s disease. The disease is carried by rats and is encountered in sewer workers. Other species of Leptospira, with hosts ranging from domestic animals such as the pig to wild animals such as opossums and jackals, give rise to a variety of fevers encountered locally or widely across the world. 

Organisms other than the viruses discussed earlier can cause acute liver infections, such as Leptospira icterohaemorrhagia, which causes Weil s disease, fungal infections caused by Candida species or aspergillosis, and schistosomiasis caused by trematodes. A number of systemic infections may also affect the liver, leading to jaundice, abnormal liver function tests or even acute liver failure. Table 3.6 lists some of the infective organisms that have been associated with liver disease. 

Thurner, J., Haas, P. Leberveranderungen bei Leptospiren-lnfektio-nen (Leptospira icterohaemorrhagia und Leptospira pomona). Miinch. Med. Wschr. 1973 115 147-150... 

Bacillus anthracis Bordetella pertussis Clostridium bifermentans Clostridium botulinum Clostridium fallax Clostridium histolyticum Clostridium oedematiens Clostridium septicum Clostridium welchii (perfringens) Corynebacterium diphtheriae Flavobacterium meningosepticum Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae... 

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