Leptospirosis in a Patient With Acute Renal Failure and Jaundice

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging infectious disease, affecting both animals and humans worldwide. Multiple organ involvement may be encountered in leptospirosis. Renal involvement is very common. We describe the patient with Weil's syndrome from central Anatolia in Turkey who presented with renal failure and jaundice. Illustrating the medical history, initial findings and clinical course, we point out the importance and difficulties of early diagnosis and treatment. This case indicates that leptospirosis presenting with renal failure is a severe disease. The association of acute renal failure and jaundice should lead the clinician to suspect leptospirosis. Leptospirosis may be associated with mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis most likely mediated by immune complexes, interstitial nephritis, or acute renal failure resulting from acute tubular necrosis.