Effective Management of Leptospirosis: A Case Report of Combined Doxycycline and Ceftriaxone Therapy

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2024-08, Vol.16 (8), p.e67909
• Main Authors: Timande, Chetan A, Kanyal, Deepika R, Bhargava, Aditya K, Sabale, Shantanu R, Mahajan, Sanket, Dakre, Sudhanshu M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analgesics; Antibiotics; Blood; Case reports; Fever; Leptospirosis; Leukocytes; Malaria; Medical research; Patients; Penicillin; Pneumonia; Recovery (Medical); Streptococcus infections; Tropical diseases; Typhoid
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67909

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the pathogen Leptospira. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with animals (mainly rats) or through exposure to contaminated water or soil. Underdeveloped countries and places with poor housing and sanitation are at higher risk. Leptospirosis often presents with nonspecific symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose. This can delay the initiation of appropriate treatment. In the case presented, the patient had a history of cough, high fever, and a rash over various parts of the body. This combination of respiratory symptoms, systemic fever, and dermatological manifestations led to the suspicion of an infection. Initial blood examinations revealed a significantly increased white blood cell (WBC) count, indicating an infection. Further enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing was confirmed by active immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies specific to leptospira species, followed by a chest X-ray scan. The antibiotics doxycycline (for seven days) and ceftriaxone (two weeks) were used to treat the leptospirosis. The patient was also given antipyretics to bring down fever and antitussive agents to suppress the cough. Hydration and breathing exercises were also given high priority in healing from this illness. After treatment, the patient did very well, he sweated less before dawn, the rash started to go away, and finally, even coughing was controlled. Further blood tests have shown that now the WBC is in the normal range and the IgM antibody level has dropped. In other words, the infection has been eradicated. For detailed information, refer to the case study "A Moral Call," which argues that early treatment and intervention are critical in managing leptospirosis. Getting this severe infection with early antibiotic therapy and nursing care gives people a chance for complete recovery from their illness. There must be more studies into this disease's long-term effects and how to prevent it when the risk group is more significant.