[Eleven cases of leptospirosis: clinical and microbiological features].

OBJECTIVE

The authors had for aim, to describe clinical and biological features of 11 cases of leptospirosis observed in Lorraine between 1996 and 2002, and to assess the interest of diagnostic methods.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed. The inclusion criteria was positive serological test for Leptospira.

RESULTS

The contamination was mainly linked to water sports, during the summer holidays. The main symptom was fever, associated with moderate increase of aminotransferase serum level. Leptospira icterohaemorragiae was the most frequently identified serogroup. One 17-year-old male patient died after infection during water sports practice.

CONCLUSION

Preventive measures should be considered for people exposed to Leptospira when practicing water sports.