Leptospirosis: report of one case

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Kawasaki disease is a critical pediatric illness characterized by fever and systemic inflammation.
• Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial infection with diverse clinical presentations, often mimicking other febrile illnesses.

Observation:

• An 8-year-old boy presented with persistent fever, mimicking Kawasaki disease.
• Symptoms included drowsiness, headache, gastrointestinal distress, nuchal rigidity, lymphadenopathy, and conjunctival hemorrhage.
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed pleocytosis, and abdominal sonography showed hepatosplenomegaly, ascites, and gallbladder wall thickening.

Findings:

• Diagnostic workup revealed findings suggestive of leptospirosis.
• Microscopic agglutination testing confirmed leptospiral antibodies.
• Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and abdominal sonographic findings were key indicators.

Implications:

• Leptospirosis can present with symptoms overlapping those of Kawasaki disease in children.
• Early recognition and appropriate antibiotic therapy (penicillin and gentamicin) are crucial for favorable outcomes.
• This case underscores the importance of considering infectious etiologies in pediatric febrile illnesses with systemic manifestations.