Fresh serum samples from 1730 human cases of different age and occupational groups, and either sex, with PUO or manifesting signs suggestive of leptospirosis were received by the Leptospirosis Laboratory at the Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal from various hospitals in and around Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu from June 2008 to May 2012. The above samples were submitted to this laboratory for early and quick diagnosis of the leptospirosis and to differentiate from prevailing diseases like malaria, typhoid and dengue. The above sample size included the blood samples also that were collected at this laboratory from the patients. All the serum samples were examined by Dark ground microscopy (DGM) after differential centrifugation. The DGM has been employed as a useful diagnostic tool to detect the early phase of infection and acute illness. This could be used as a direct method to observe leptospires as thin, coiled, rapidly moving microorganisms in serum and could be a useful technique to those with considerable experience in observing leptospires and in situations when antibodies persist for a long period after a past infection.
Author(s) Details:
Saravanan
Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal – 637 002, India.
Selvaraju
Department of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal – 637 002, India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Clinical Features and Outcomes of Leptospirosis Patients
Predictors of Severe Leptospirosis: A Multicentre Observational Study from Central Malaysia: This study identifies clinical predictors associated with severe leptospirosis, such as acute kidney injury, high levels of alanine aminotransferase, and low platelet counts. It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and management to reduce complications and mortality [1] .
A Global One Health Perspective on Leptospirosis in Humans and Animals: This article discusses the zoonotic nature of leptospirosis and the need for a transdisciplinary approach to understand its clinical features and outcomes. It highlights the impact of environmental factors and human-animal interactions on disease transmission [2] .
Corticosteroid Treatment for Leptospirosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of corticosteroid treatment in leptospirosis patients. It provides insights into the potential benefits and risks associated with this treatment option [3] .
Global Morbidity and Mortality of Leptospirosis: A Systematic Review: This review provides global estimates of leptospirosis morbidity and mortality, identifying regions with the highest burden. It underscores the need for better data to inform local decision-making and policy [4] .
Clinical Features and Outcomes of Leptospirosis in Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Study: This retrospective study analyzes the clinical features and outcomes of leptospirosis in hospitalized patients. It highlights common symptoms such as fever, jaundice, and renal impairment, and discusses factors associated with severe outcomes[1] .
References
- Philip, N., Lung Than, L.T., Shah, A.M. et al. Predictors of severe leptospirosis: a multicentre observational study from Central Malaysia. BMC Infect Dis 21, 1081 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06766-5
- Sykes, J. E., Haake, D. A., Gamage, C. D., Mills, W. Z., & Nally, J. E. (2022). A global one health perspective on leptospirosis in humans and animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 260(13), 1589-1596.
- Petakh P, Oksenych V, Kamyshnyi O. Corticosteroid Treatment for Leptospirosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024; 13(15):4310. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154310
- Costa F, Hagan JE, Calcagno J, Kane M, Torgerson P, Martinez-Silveira MS, et al. (2015) Global Morbidity and Mortality of Leptospirosis: A Systematic Review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 9(9): e0003898. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0003898
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