Hi, does anyone have any knowledge about human-to-human transmission of Lepto when one of the humans lives with a recently recovered (but still potentially infectious) dog?  The person isn't showing any symptoms of the disease or diagnosed with it.  Would it be considered safe for the human with the dog to mix (without the dog of course) with other humans, including young children?

I have been looking at the very informative Lepto Info Center website but wondered if anyone here had any knowledge/experience?  It sounds like it transmits in a similar way as HIV (between humans).

Any help please?

cant help you much but i would ring NHS direct they maybe able to help or your GP.

From my very basic experience (which was the research & risk impact of world wide diseases/viruses etc), I would say that the person living with the dog should exercise caution and have a very very good hygiene regime, because primarily the lepto virus is transmitted via urine and other bodily fluids (as well as via cuts, abrasions on the human body coming into contact with those fluids).
You are on the right track with your suggested 'mode' of transmission, namely sexual, congenital or neonatal.
However, human to human transmission is considered rare.

Have a little look at this info here from a World Health Organisation publication and it might help shed some light.
Of particular interest is page 33.

http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2003/WHO_CDS_CSR_EPH_2002.23.pdf