Leptospira Flashcards
natural course of mild uncomplicated leptospirosis
spontaneous resolution within 7 –10 days without sequelae
jaundice, acute kidney injury, hypotension, and hemorrhage—mostcommonly involving the lungs
Weil’s disease
cardiac involvement in lep
nonspecific ST and T wave changes but also asright-bundle-branch block and right- and/or left-sided ventricular dilation indicating myocarditis
gold std lepto
microscopic agglutination test (MAT)
neuro findings lepto
aseptic meningitis
hypo- or areflexia, especially of the legs.
primary renal pathophysiologic lesion in acute leptospirosis,
Primary injury of the proximal convoluted tubules
diagnostic mainstay in leptospirosis.
Serologic assays
Culture leptospira
blood and CSF during the first 7–10 days of illness and from urine beginning in the second week
Rx mild leptospirosis
Doxycycline (100 mg PO bid) or Amoxicillin (500 mg PO tid) or Ampicillin (500 mg PO tid)
Rx Moderate/severe leptospirosis
Penicillin (1.5 million units IV or IM q6h) or Ceftriaxone (1 g/d IV) or
Cefotaxime (1 g IV q6h)
chemoprophylaxis
Doxycycline (200 mg PO once a week) or Azithromycin (250 mg PO once or twice a week)