Leptospirosis: classification, epidemiology, and methods of detection. A review

Abstract

Bacteria of the genus Leptospira can cause widespread and potentially lethal bacterial zoonosis called leptospirosis. Considered a neglected tropical zoonotic disease, leptospirosis was recognized as a global public health problem due to its increasing prevalence in developing and developed countries. This review focused on the current knowledge on leptospiral infection, classification, epidemiology, and detection methods. We are also reviewing the data on the study of Leptospira in Lithuania available in the literature.