Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Author Spotlight: Leptospira DNA Detection in Water for Environmental Analysis and Disease Surveillance
Published on: June 14, 2024
Leptospirosis: First Reported Case in Lebanon
Georges Khalil1, Youssef El Toum2, Elissa El Toum3
1Medical Microbiology, Saint Joseph University, Beirut, LBN.
None:
Leptospirosis is a zoonosis transmitted in warm and humid climates. It is contacted by humans through direct contact with the urine of infected hosts, mainly rodents, or via contaminated water. The clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic or mild disease to severe multi-organ failure that may be fatal. We present the case of a 42-year-old man who presented with two weeks of fever, headache, abdominal pain, and myalgia. On admission, he was hypotensive, febrile, and jaundiced. Leptospirosis was suspected in this patient and later confirmed after early initiation of treatment. This case highlights the occurrence of leptospirosis in Lebanon, a condition that may go underrecognized and subsequently patients may receive inadequate care. Early recognition and prompt treatment are crucial to ensure better outcomes, especially in severe cases.

