Bats as a source of emerging zoonotic diseases – the interface with wildlife Leptospirosis – importance of a One Health approach

Abstract

The term leptospirosis represents a spectrum of human and veterinary diseases caused by pathogenic serovars of the spirochaete genus Leptospira. It is of global significance as a cause of human mortality and morbidity, and of disease in domestic and production animals and in wildlife. A One Health approach to leptospirosis control is essential because human infection almost invariably results either from direct animal exposure or from exposure to environments contaminated by infected animals. The relationships between human and veterinary leptospirosis are illustrated by Australian experience. A major factor limiting control of the disease is poor communication and cooperation between those working from medical and veterinary perspectives. Leptospira shows great antigenic and genetic diversity, and so international leptospirosis reference laboratories are a vital but fragile resource. There is a compelling need to maximise cooperation between all professions with an interest in leptospirosis, to create outcomes, to communicate with governments and to ensure essential resources.