Leptospirosis presenting as acute meningoencephalitis

Abstract

Leptospirosis in humans is a common zoonotic disease. It is often under-diagnosed, especially when associated with neurological features, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. This subgroup of patients with neurological manifestations is often empirically treated for cerebral malaria, dengue fever, tuberculous meningitis, hepatic encephalopathy, viral encephalitis, etc. Hence it is important to be aware of uncommon manifestations of this disease. We report one such patient, which highlights the importance of considering leptospirosis as the diagnostic possibility with hepato-renal, pulmonary and nervous system involvement, particularly where diagnostic supports and resources are limited.