Leptospirosis: Understanding the Bacteria That Causes the Disease

The causative agent of leptospirosis is a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called Leptospira interrogans. Leptospira belongs to the family Spirochaetaceae and the order Spirochaetales. It is a Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium that can survive in both fresh and brackish water environments. Leptospira interrogans has multiple serovars or serotypes, each with different virulence and host preferences. The transmission of Leptospira to humans and animals occurs through contact with contaminated water or soil or direct contact with infected animals.