Leptospirosis: a six-case report from west black sea, Turkey

Leptospirosis is a ubiquitous acute bacterial zoonosis. This report describes six cases presenting to our hospital with symptoms such as fever and muscle pain and diagnosed as leptospirosis. All cases presented with fever, muscle pain, and lethargy and were engaged in activities such as farming, hunting, and fishing. Thrombocytopenia and impaired liver function tests were found in all patients, increased creatine-kinase in five, and increased creatinine in four. Leptospirosis was diagnosed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The course of the disease resulted in cure in three cases, chronic kidney disease sequelae in one, and death in two. In conclusion, the possibility of leptospirosis should be considered in patients presenting with non-specific symptoms such as fever and muscle pain and developing thrombocytopenia, and liver and kidney function disorder. Risk factors should also be investigated when taking histories. Early diagnosis and antibiotic therapy being started as quickly as possible are important in terms of the course of the disease.