[Leptospirosis in Libreville (Gabon): four cases]

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Case Studies

Background:

• Leptospirosis is an endemic zoonotic disease in tropical climates, known for its diverse clinical presentations.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing leptospirosis, a significant public health concern in endemic areas.

Observation:

• Four young men in Libreville, Gabon, presented with febrile jaundice, systemic illness, and pain.
• Laboratory findings revealed hepatic cytolysis, renal failure, leukocytosis, anemia, and inflammation.
• Initial diagnostic workup excluded hepatitis B, C, HIV, and malaria, with presumptive antimalarial treatment proving ineffective.

Findings:

• Leptospirosis was confirmed via serology demonstrating significant antibody titers in all four patients.
• Treatment with appropriate antibiotics resulted in a rapid clinical improvement.
• Patients experienced normalization of liver and kidney function within days of commencing antibiotic therapy.

Implications:

• Febrile jaundice in tropical zones warrants consideration for leptospirosis, particularly with concurrent liver and kidney dysfunction.
• This case series underscores the importance of including leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis for acute febrile illnesses in endemic regions.
• Timely diagnosis and antibiotic intervention are key to favorable outcomes in leptospirosis patients.