Percutaneous exposure resulting in laboratory-acquired leptospirosis -- a case report

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira.
• Laboratory-acquired infections can occur through accidental exposure to infectious agents.
• Maintaining virulent Leptospira strains in laboratory settings requires strict biosafety protocols.

Observation:

• A laboratory worker sustained a deep cut on their hand while handling a broken Leptospira culture tube.
• The culture was identified as Leptospira serovar Australis strain MG 347, with a history of 52 passages.
• The worker developed symptoms consistent with leptospirosis, including headache and fever, 21 days post-exposure.

Findings:

• Leptospires were successfully cultured from the worker's blood sample, confirming infection.
• The isolated Leptospira strain, HZ 651, was identified as serovar Australis.
• Genetic analysis (monoclonal antibody and RAPD fingerprinting) confirmed that the isolate HZ 651 was clonal to the original strain MG 347.

Implications:

• This case highlights the risk of leptospirosis transmission in laboratory settings.
• Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment (doxycycline, ciprofloxacin) are crucial for managing leptospirosis.
• The genetic identity between the infecting strain and the laboratory strain underscores the importance of stringent biosafety measures when working with Leptospira cultures.