Leptospirosis is probably the world's most widespread zoonosis. It remains
underdiagnosed largely due to the broad spectrum of signs and symptoms attr
ibutable to this spirochetal pathogen. Leptospira spp. cause a diversity of
diseases from flu-like illness to Well's syndrome with multi-organ failure
. Recent epidemics may herald a change in virulence or an alteration in the
balance between humans and their interactions with other host species and
the environment. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.