A case of leptospirosis diagnosed by detailed medical history interview

Abstract

A male in his 50's with a history of alcoholic liver dysfunction and hepatitis C, was taken to our emergency department with a chief complaint of sever liver and kidney dysfunction and thrombocytopenia. Our detailed interview revealed that he was a sanitary worker. We suspected leptospirosis based on his symptoms and background, and confirmed the diagnosis from serum PCR. Leptospirosis is uncommon and potentially fatal disease in Japan. We need to keep in mind leptospirosis in case a patient has thrombocytopenia, liver and kidney dysfunction of uncertain etiology.