Leptospirosis and Weil's disease in eastern India.

ABSTRACT

Leptospirosis is characterised by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations varying from inapparent infection to fulminant fatal disease. Severe leptospirosis characterised by profound jaundice is referred to as Weil's disease. In the present study 20 patients of leptospirosis, of which 7 belonged to Weil's disease, were diagnosed based on the demonstration of IgM antileptospira antibody and supported by clinical correlation and appropriate biochemical markers. Overall, the male and female ratio was 173 and the same ratio for the Weil's disease was 61. The most common presentation involved fever, malaise and myalgia. Conjunctival congestion was found in 75% of the cases and jaundice was encountered in 90% of the cases. The prognosis of all these patients, including that of Weil's disease was excellent. Early recognition and initiation of antibiotic therapy were found to be important.