Seroepidemiology of leptospirosis among febrile patients in a rapidly growing suburban slum and a flood-vulnerable rural district in Mozambique, 2012–2014: Implications for the management of fever

Abstract

This study found that leptospirosis is prevalent among Mozambicans, and most cases are misdiagnosed as malaria.

Recent findings related to immune responses against leptospirosis and novel strategies to prevent infection

“…Indeed, several studies show that leptospirosis more often affects men, with a possible bias consecutive to the practice of activities associated with an increased risk of leptospiral infection [58]. Although prevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in both genders was shown to be equivalent regardless of the geographic region influence [59,60], thereby suggesting an equal incidence of infection, thorough epidemiological studies show that males are more often hospitalized and more susceptible to development of severe disease than women [61,62]. Interestingly, an increased male susceptibility was recently reported in a sub-lethal infection model in hamsters, in which males were more prone to develop pulmonary haemorrhage than females [63].…”

Leptospirosis among Returned Travelers: A GeoSentinel Site Survey and Multicenter Analysis—1997–2016

“…Given the laboratory diagnostic challenges and nonspecific presentation of many clinically evident cases, the burden of reported disease is likely underestimated, as supported by other published data. 1,[18][19][20] We recommend enhancement of awareness about leptospirosis and heightened clinical suspicion when evaluating the ill traveler. Laboratories need to have up-to-date diagnostic methods available; molecular detection techniques are key to early diagnosis, which is helpful for the early initiation of treatment that may substantially reduce morbidity and improve outcomes.…”

“…13 The list of differential diagnoses for the evaluating clinician to consider is long, encompassing, among others, malaria, arboviral infections, rickettsial diseases, and typhoid fever, 13,17 and misdiagnosis is common. 6,[18][19][20] Early recognition and treatment may be essential to improve patient outcomes 13,21,22 and minimize hospitalization costs.…”

Leptospirosis as an unusual culprit of acute pancreatitis and portal vein thrombosis in a New Yorker

“…2 Leptospirosis is common to an array of tropical climates but also poses a risk to low socioeconomic populations in city areas. [5][6][7] Among symptomatic patients, one study suggests that the mortality rate for untreated leptospirosis ranges between 0% and 40% (median 2.2%). 8 However, the mortality rate for Weil's disease exceeds 10% and the mortality rate for spontaneous pulmonary hemorrhage exceeds 50%.…”

“…Humans can remain asymptomatic and disseminate Leptospira into the environment for up to 1 year . Leptospirosis is common to an array of tropical climates but also poses a risk to low socioeconomic populations in city areas …”