1. 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.