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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
05:12
Portable Thermographic Screening for Detection of Acute Wallenberg's Syndrome
Published on: September 19, 2019
[A severe case of Weil's disease]
Hande Aydemir1, Deniz Akduman, Nefise Oztoprak
1Zonguldak Karaelmas Universitesi Tip Fakültesi, Enfeksiyon Hastaliklan ve Klinik Mikrobiyoloji Klinigi, Zonguldak. drhaydemir@yahoo.com
Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni
|April 13, 2007
Summary
Weil's disease, a severe form of leptospirosis, can cause multiorgan failure. Early diagnosis and supportive care, including antibiotics, are crucial for patient recovery from this serious infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Leptospirosis presents a spectrum of illness, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions.
- Weil's disease, the most severe manifestation, involves critical organ systems like the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with jaundice, dark urine, weakness, cough, and bloody sputum after swimming in a creek.
- The patient exhibited acute renal failure, bilateral lung infiltration, hyperbilirubinemia, leukocytosis, and thrombocytopenia, requiring hemodialysis.
Findings:
- Despite negative cultures, serological testing revealed rising antibody titers against Leptospira species (L. semeranga and L. icterohaemorrhagiae).
- Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) showed a significant increase in antibody titers, confirming leptospirosis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Weil's disease in patients with unexplained multiorgan involvement.
- Prompt antibiotic treatment and supportive care are vital for successful outcomes in severe leptospirosis.
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