A Case of Leptospirosis Causing Pulmonary Hemorrhagic Syndrome

Read full text
Authors: Esra Arslan Aksu, Levent Özdemir, Savaş Gegin, Mustafa Usanmaz, Özgür Günal
Cited by: 0

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