The other great imitator among infectious diseases: Leptospirosis
R Stammler1, K Chevalier1, S Benhamida1
1Intensive care unit, Longjumeau Hospital, Longjumeau, France.
Introduction:
Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis responsible for highly diverse clinical presentations with a wide range of severity. Variable environment exposures to infected urines of rodents have been described.
Observation:
We report five cases of serologically confirmed leptospirosis leading to hospitalization in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a French center. These patients displayed neurological, respiratory, and abdominal presentation of leptospirosis with variable level of severity. Either professional, leisure related, or daily living exposures have been retrieved.
Conclusion:
These cases underline the diversity of clinical presentation and environmental exposure of this infectious disease. They highlight the interest of an exhaustive anamnesis with collection of professional activity, environmental exposures, and leisure activities.
Related Concept Videos
Viral Recombination
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Infection
The chain begins with pathogens: bacteria, viruses, fungi, prions, or parasites such as protozoa helminths. These can be present on the skin as transient or resident flora, or they can be acquired from the environment. Identifying and treating the type of infection and...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...


