A Case of Anicteric Leptospirosis Presenting with Rectal Bleeding and Hyperpyrexia

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a globally widespread zoonotic infection caused by leptospira-type spirochetes. In humans the infection generally occurs by way of direct or indirect contact with infected animal urine. The main clinical symptoms are fever, septicemia, headache, fatigue and myalgia. The disease usually begins with a high fever. The largest risk factor for leptospirosis is occupational and it includes farmers, ranchers, military personnel and, sewer workers. There is also a risk through recreational exposure such as freshwater swimming and kayaking. This report describes a case of leptospirosis following a course with hyper-pyrexia, for the first time in the medical literature.