A Case of Leptospirosis Causing Pulmonary Hemorrhagic Syndrome
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic infection caused by Leptospira spirochetes.We present here the case of a 31year-old male with alveolar hemorrhage, renal, and hepatic dysfunction who reported abdominal pain and weakness after cleaning out a warehouse containing rats 2 weeks earlier.Physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness but no other significant findings.As his clinical condition worsened, he developed cough and shortness of breath.Chest radiography revealed bilateral consolidation, and computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed ground-glass opacities.Bronchoalveolar lavage pathology identified hemosiderin-laden macrophages.Leptospirosis testing confirmed antibodies against L. icterohaemorrhagiae with a titer of 1/800.The patient was placed on antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids, and plasmapheresis.Following treatment, his symptoms and laboratory results improved, and he was discharged.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Leptospirosis research and findings
Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
Brucella: diagnosis
epidemiology
treatment
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Respiratory Case Reports
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 28–31
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN