Uncommon manifestation of leptospirosis: a diagnostic challenge

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease commonly affecting the tropical countries. It may have protean clinical manifestations including hepatorenal dysfunction, myocarditis, pulmonary haemorrhage, meningitis, optic neuritis and rhabdomyolysis. Neurological manifestation of leptospirosis without the classical hepatorenal dysfunction is a rare entity. This complication of leptospirosis can present with diverse central and peripheral neurological presentations. The overlapping clinical manifestations with many common tropical pathogens often pose diagnostic dilemma and delay in definitive therapy may lead to adverse clinical consequences. We report a case of a 19-year-old man with no prior comorbidities presenting with high-grade fever and altered sensorium. He was diagnosed to be a probable case of leptospirosis, based on all available test results and by fulfilment of parameters under modified Faine's criteria. The patient was successfully managed and discharged in stable condition.