Weil's disease presenting as atypical pneumonia
Balakrishnan, T.; Moore, A.; Krishnamoorthy, S.; Davies, G.; Ka Ho Lee, P.
Acute Medicine 13(4): 178-181
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1747-4892 PMID: 25521089 Document Number: 17019
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by spp. Leptospira, also known as Weil's disease if it manifests with jaundice. It can be associated with respiratory, renal, hepatic and haematological complications and most importantly carries a high mortality when untreated. We describe a case of a 53 year old man presenting with myalgia and fever in whom the diagnosis of leptospirosis was not initially considered. Following a deterioration in his condition a careful history revealed an apparent brief exposure to animal urine and subsequent grossly positive Leptospira serology. Treatment of his condition led to complete resolution after a brief stay on the intensive care unit. This case highlights the atypical nature of a presentation of Leptospirosis, its respiratory complications, and importance of serological testing in its diagnosis.
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