Neuro-leptospirosis - A batty diagnostic enigma.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Zoonotic Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• Leptospirosis is a widespread zoonotic illness prevalent in tropical regions.
• It presents with diverse clinical manifestations, ranging from mild febrile illness to severe multi-organ dysfunction.
• Transmission usually occurs via contact with infected animal urine, primarily from livestock and rodents.

Observation:

• Leptospira species are found in bats, but human transmission and associated illness are rarely documented.
• This study presents a unique case of severe neuro-leptospirosis in a human following bat exposure.
• The patient exhibited an unusual, non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage as a manifestation of the infection.

Findings:

• The case highlights a rare instance of bat-to-human transmission of Leptospira.
• Severe neuro-leptospirosis was diagnosed, complicated by a non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.
• The diagnostic process for this unusual presentation posed significant challenges.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of clinical presentations for leptospirosis.
• It underscores the potential for bats as a reservoir for Leptospira, necessitating further investigation into bat-human transmission routes.
• Clinicians should consider leptospirosis in patients with neurological complications, even with unusual exposure histories.