Leptospira-Associated Transverse Myelitis in an Adult Male from Bangladesh: A Case Report


Authors : Haque M. Z.; Hasan N. A.; Uddin M. S.

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 12 - December


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3d3vsf53

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/6wus8avc

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25dec1124

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Leptospirosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic infection with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild febrile illness to severe multisystem involvement. Neurological complications are uncommon and acute transverse myelitis is particularly rare. We report the case of a 55-year-old Bangladeshi male who presented with fever followed by acute flaccid paraparesis, sensory level, jaundice, and acute kidney injury. Neurological examination revealed spinal shock with a D8 sensory level. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated thrombocytopenia, hepatic dysfunction, renal failure, and positive leptospira IgM serology, while cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging showed degenerative changes without compressive pathology. A diagnosis of leptospira-associated acute transverse myelitis was made. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, oral doxycycline, and high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, resulting in significant clinical and biochemical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis in endemic regions, as early recognition and combined antimicrobial and immunomodulatory therapy may lead to favorable outcomes.

Keywords : Leptospira-Associated Transverse Myelitis.

References :

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Leptospirosis is a globally prevalent zoonotic infection with a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild febrile illness to severe multisystem involvement. Neurological complications are uncommon and acute transverse myelitis is particularly rare. We report the case of a 55-year-old Bangladeshi male who presented with fever followed by acute flaccid paraparesis, sensory level, jaundice, and acute kidney injury. Neurological examination revealed spinal shock with a D8 sensory level. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated thrombocytopenia, hepatic dysfunction, renal failure, and positive leptospira IgM serology, while cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal. Magnetic resonance imaging showed degenerative changes without compressive pathology. A diagnosis of leptospira-associated acute transverse myelitis was made. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone, oral doxycycline, and high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone, resulting in significant clinical and biochemical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis of acute transverse myelitis in endemic regions, as early recognition and combined antimicrobial and immunomodulatory therapy may lead to favorable outcomes.

Keywords : Leptospira-Associated Transverse Myelitis.

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Paper Submission Last Date
31 - January - 2026

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