LEPTOSPIROSE: FATORES EPIDEMIOLÓGICOS, FISIOPATOLÓGICOS E IMUNOPATOGÊNICOS

Abstract

eptospirosis is a world wide distribution zoonosis that occurs in domestic and wild animals and men. It is characterized as an infectious disease that affects multiple organs. Renal and hepatic malfunction, miocarditis and pulmonary bleeding are the main clinical manifestations observed resulting from the vasculitis caused by direct injury to cells of the capillary endothelium. Immune complexes deposition associated with pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines response to Leptospira would be some of the factors involved in tissue injury. The complexity of the mechanisms involved in leptospirosis, such as virulence of the serovar, the immune status of the host and the clinical manifestation represent an important paradigm among the infectious diseases. The comprehension of the factors involved in the immunophysiology of leptospirosis will allow the development of therapeutic and preventive strategies aiming at stopping the infection process.