Leptospira interrogans (L. interrogans) (L. interrogans)

Leptospira interrogans is a pathogenic species of spirochete bacteria and the primary causative agent of leptospirosis, a widespread zoonotic disease (Haake & Levett, 2015). It is characterized by its unique spiral shape and periplasmic flagella, which allow for high motility through viscous environments and penetration of host tissues (Picardeau, 2017). The organism typically enters the human host through mucous membranes or abraded skin following contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, such as rodents (Bharti et al., 2003). Once inside, it disseminates hematogenously, potentially leading to multi-organ involvement, including the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system (Adler & de la Peña Moctezuma, 2010). While Leptospira interrogans itself is an organism rather than a single molecular target, its various components—such as LipL32 and other surface proteins—are the focus of diagnostic and vaccine development efforts (Ko et al., 2009). Treatment typically involves antibiotics like doxycycline or penicillin, which target bacterial processes such as protein synthesis or cell wall assembly (StatPearls, 2023).

Other names

Spirochaeta interrogansLeptospira icterohaemorrhagiae

Antibiotics targeting Leptospira interrogans typically act by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis (e.g., beta-lactams like Penicillin) or by inhibiting protein synthesis through binding to the 30S or 50S ribosomal subunits (e.g., Tetracyclines like Doxycycline and Macrolides like Azithromycin).