JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Introduction: Even though leptospirosis is commonly being reported in India there are very few reports on its presentation and outcome in children. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the clinical profile, the epidemiological factors and outcome of leptospirosis confirmed by serology in the children who were admitted and managed in the referral hospital attached to Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College at Kolar, Karnataka. Methods: Hence a retrospective data analysis of records of 50 children diagnosed with leptospirosis over a period of four years (2007 to 2011) was undertaken. Results: Fever with head ache (92%) and myalgia (96%) were the commonest presentations. Neurological and respiratory manifestations were observed in 20% and hepatosplenomegaly was found in 84% of them. Icteric leptospirosis contributed to 16% of the cases. Seventy eight percent of the cases were admitted in the monsoon. History of contact with animals was present in 68% of the children. Conclusion: Leptospirosis can be easily overlooked among children in our clinical settings because of manifestations which are similar to malaria, dengue and typhoid fevers. Leptospirosis should be considered in fever cases in the monsoon and among those who had contact with animals.

Key words: Leptospirosis, children, zoonoses, clinico-epidemiological, Kolar.