Disparity in clinical characteristics between 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia and leptospirosis

Objective. - A cluster outbreak of patients with similar symptoms and computed tomographic (CT) images of COVID-19 were diagnosed with leptospirosis. This study was aimed to identify the clinical difference between leptospirosis and COVID-19, providing evidence for strategy optimization. Methods. - A cohort of leptospirosis patients were collected and compared with age- and gender-matched COVID-19 cases in the epidemiological investigation, chest CT scan, laboratory tests, and length of hospital stay. Results. - Compared with COVID-19, contacting floodwater and lack of family clustering were features of leptospirosis in epidemiological assessment. In the laboratory test, higher level of white blood cells (WBCs: (10.38 +/- 4.56) x 10(9)/L vs (6.45 +/- 1.95) x 10(9/)L, p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP: (138.93 +/- 73.03) mg/L vs (40.28 +/- 30.38) mg/L, p < 0.001), Creatine ((88.27 +/- 35.16) mmol/L vs (63.31 +/- 14.50) mmol/L, p < 0.001), and a lower level of platelet ((152.93 +/- 51.93) x 10(9)/L vs (229.65 +/- 66.59) x 10(9)/L, p < 0.001) were detected on patients with leptospirosis. Conclusion. - Given the epidemiological differences and seasonal prevalence, it is important to suspect leptospirosis in cases with a similar presentation of COVID-19. The clinical disparities may facilitate the therapeutic management of these two diseases.