Acute pancreatitis due to Leptospira spp.: An uncommon case report of a common zoonosis.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Acute pancreatitis due to Leptospira spp.: An uncommon case report of a common zoonosis.
Alternate Title:	Pancreatitis aguda por Leptospira spp.: un informe de caso poco común de una zoonosis común.
Authors:	López, Juan Pablo¹, Salgado, Carlos Alberto^2,3, Morales, Cristhian David^4,5 cristhiand.moralesp@autonoma.edu.co
Source:	Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud. mar2026, Vol. 46 Issue 1, p18-24. 7p.
Subjects:	PANCREATITIS, LEPTOSPIROSIS, ANTIBIOTICS, ZOONOSES, MULTIPLE organ failure, TROPICAL medicine, PREVENTIVE medicine
Abstract (English):	Leptospirosis, a widespread zoonotic disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, causes over one million cases and about 59,000 deaths annually. It is transmitted through contact with infected animal urine, primarily from rodents, and worsened by poor sanitation and favorable climate. Although in Colombia there was a significant decline in cases from 2018 to 2022, severe forms of the disease, including rare complications like acute pancreatitis, still pose significant health risks. A 49-year-old male presented with symptoms including abdominal pain, jaundice, and severe thrombocytopenia. Despite initial normal tests, leptospirosis was eventually diagnosed after further testing revealed elevated lipase levels and medical imaging confirmed severe pancreatitis. The patient received antibiotics and intensive care, which led to recovery and confirmation of leptospirosis through serology. Leptospirosis can cause severe multi-organ complications, including rare cases of pancreatitis. This case underscores the need for early diagnosis and treatment of leptospirosis to manage such complications effectively. Environmental factors and rodent control are crucial for prevention, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive management and preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Spanish):	La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica extendida y prevalente en regiones tropicales y subtropicales, que causa más de un millón de casos y alrededor de 59.000 muertes anuales. Se transmite por el contacto con la orina de animales infectados, principalmente de roedores, y se agrava por la falta de saneamiento y un clima favorable. Aunque en Colombia se observó una disminución significativa de los casos entre el 2018 y el 2022, las formas graves de la enfermedad, incluidas complicaciones raras como la pancreatitis aguda, siguen representando riesgos importantes para la salud. Un hombre de 49 años presentó dolor abdominal, ictericia y trombocitopenia grave. A pesar de las pruebas iniciales normales, se diagnosticó leptospirosis tras pruebas adicionales que revelaron aumento de la lipasa y la confirmación, mediante imágenes, de una pancreatitis grave. El paciente recibió tratamiento con antibióticos y cuidados intensivos, lo que llevó a su recuperación, y la leptospirosis se confirmó mediante serología. Esta enfermedad puede causar complicaciones graves multiorgánicas, incluyendo casos raros de pancreatitis. Con este caso se subraya la necesidad de un diagnóstico y un tratamiento tempranos de la leptospirosis, para manejar de manera efectiva sus complicaciones. Los factores ambientales y el control de roedores son fundamentales para la prevención, destacándose la importancia de una gestión y medidas preventivas integrales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	MedicLatina

Description
Abstract:	Leptospirosis, a widespread zoonotic disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, causes over one million cases and about 59,000 deaths annually. It is transmitted through contact with infected animal urine, primarily from rodents, and worsened by poor sanitation and favorable climate. Although in Colombia there was a significant decline in cases from 2018 to 2022, severe forms of the disease, including rare complications like acute pancreatitis, still pose significant health risks. A 49-year-old male presented with symptoms including abdominal pain, jaundice, and severe thrombocytopenia. Despite initial normal tests, leptospirosis was eventually diagnosed after further testing revealed elevated lipase levels and medical imaging confirmed severe pancreatitis. The patient received antibiotics and intensive care, which led to recovery and confirmation of leptospirosis through serology. Leptospirosis can cause severe multi-organ complications, including rare cases of pancreatitis. This case underscores the need for early diagnosis and treatment of leptospirosis to manage such complications effectively. Environmental factors and rodent control are crucial for prevention, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive management and preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	01204157
DOI:	10.7705/biomedica.7771