[Severe paediatric leptospirosis caused by a pet rat]
G Hugo P S Kraijenhoff1,2, J Kitty G C M van Zoest1, Jurriaan van den Brand3
1Alrijne Ziekenhuis, Leiderdorp: Afd. Kindergeneeskunde.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|May 2, 2022
Summary
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread by rats, caused meningitis in a child with pet rats. Increased physician awareness of zoonotic diseases like leptospirosis is crucial for early diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Zoonoses
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection with diverse, non-specific symptoms, often leading to delayed diagnosis.
- Transmission occurs through contact with infected rats or contaminated water, with a notable increase in cases in the Netherlands in 2019.
- Inadequate surveillance and awareness of disease prevention measures, particularly among rat breeders, contribute to transmission risks.
