noun
- Plural of leptospira; spiral-shaped bacteria that cause leptospirosis, a disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected animal urine or contaminated water.
Usage: technical; microbiology; medical
Examples
- Leptospires are found in the urine of infected rats and other rodents.
- The laboratory identified leptospires in the water sample from the flooded area.
- Leptospires can survive in warm, moist environments for several weeks.
- Farmers are at higher risk of exposure to leptospires through contaminated soil and water.
- Antibiotics are effective against leptospires if administered early in the infection.