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Case of leptospirosis causing pancytopenia
Ian Satya Haryono1, Alistair John Tinson2, Joshua Haron Abasszade3
1General Internal Medicine Unit, Western Health, Saint Albans, Victoria, Australia ian.haryono@wh.org.au.
BMJ Case Reports
|January 5, 2023
Summary
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, can cause pancytopenia (low blood counts) in rare cases. This case highlights the importance of considering leptospirosis in individuals with fever and pancytopenia, especially those with occupational exposure to soil and animals.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira species.
- It is often associated with exposure to contaminated water or soil, particularly in agricultural and occupational settings.
Observation:
- A young female landscaper presented with persistent fevers and new-onset pancytopenia.
- Initial investigations were inconclusive, but her occupation involved extensive soil contact on farms with livestock and rodents.
Findings:
- Serological testing confirmed infection with Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo.
- Pancytopenia, a rare manifestation of leptospirosis, was identified as a key clinical feature in this case.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis of fever and pancytopenia.
- Occupational exposure history is crucial for identifying at-risk individuals and facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment of leptospirosis.
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