Austin Health

Title
Case of leptospirosis causing pancytopenia.
Publication Date
2023-01-05
Author(s)
Haryono, Ian Satya
Tinson, Alistair John
Abasszade, Joshua Haron
O'Donnobhain, Ronan
Subject
Infectious diseases
Medical education
Type of document
Journal Article
OrcId
0000-0001-6372-3781
0000-0002-0285-9033
0000-0001-5469-4317
#PLACEHOLDER_PARENT_METADATA_VALUE#
DOI
10.1136/bcr-2022-251506
Abstract
We present the case of a young female landscaper who presented to an Australian tertiary hospital with persistent fevers and new pancytopenia. Extensive initial workup for her presenting illness did not identify a cause; however, a detailed history of her occupation revealed she worked heavily with soil on farms that had domestic livestock in addition to rodents. Hence, further serological testing for leptospirosis was performed, revealing a diagnosis of infection with Leptospira interrogans serovar Hardjo. Treatment covering leptospirosis was commenced, and she improved clinically, and her cell counts returned to normal. Pancytopenia is a rare manifestation of leptospirosis and has only been reported in a handful of case studies. We highlight that leptospirosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in those with fever, and new pancytopaenia, particularly in patients with relevant risk factors for exposure.
Link
Citation
BMJ Case Reports 2023; 16(1)
Jornal Title
BMJ Case Reports
ISSN
1757-790X

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