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Leptospirosis in children: a review for family physicians

Milind S Tullu1, Sunil Karande

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Seth G.S. Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, India. milindtullu@vsnl.net

Indian Journal of Medical Sciences
|September 23, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease spread by rodents, causes acute febrile illness in India. This review covers diagnosis, treatment with penicillin for children, and prevention strategies like rodent control.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Leptospirosis is a significant cause of acute febrile illness during India's monsoon season.
  • It is a zoonotic disease transmitted by rodents, presenting in anicteric and icteric forms.
  • Clinical manifestations range from mild febrile illness to severe multiorgan failure, with Weil's disease being the severe, high-mortality form.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review diagnostic and treatment methods for leptospirosis.
  • To discuss prevention strategies for leptospirosis.
  • To differentiate between childhood and adult leptospirosis.

Main Methods:

  • Searched PubMed using keywords 'leptospirosis' and 'children,' prioritizing Indian literature.
  • Reviewed standard pediatric and infectious disease textbooks for relevant chapters on leptospirosis.

Main Results:

  • Crystalline penicillin is the recommended treatment for leptospirosis in children.
  • Avoidance of flood water contact and rodent control are crucial for disease prevention.
  • The review highlights differences in leptospirosis presentation between children and adults.

Conclusions:

  • Effective diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing leptospirosis.
  • Public health interventions focusing on rodent control and water safety are vital for prevention.
  • Understanding the nuances of childhood leptospirosis is important for pediatric care.

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