Leptospirosis: a zoonotic disease of many forms.

Crit Care Resuscitation ISSN: 1441-2772 1 September 2006 8 3 186-186 © C r i t C a r e Re s us c i t a t i on 9 06 www.jficm.anzca.edu.au/aaccm/journal/publications.htm Editorials significant morbidity and mortality. However, the c festations vary from asymptomatic to mild, right the severe forms described in these reports. Leptospirosis is a contagious zoonotic disease and humans caused by spirochaetes belonging to Leptospira, of which there are two forms — path non-pathogenic (benign) species. Two reports in this issue of the Journal highlight the fact that leptospirosis may be a severe disease with protean clinical manifestations (pages 192 and 215). In its most severe form, it may require intensive care admission, with consequent linical manithrough to