Leptospira interrogans

(Lep-toe-spy-rah in-ter-roe-gans)

A spirochaete that under the microscope often resembles a question mark, from where this species got its name (‘interrogans’).

Leptospira infects wild and domestic animals, including pet dogs.

Infection of humans causes a disease known as leptospirosis, which can be asymptomatic or relatively mild. However, severe cases can result in death from liver damage and kidney failure.