From the Research
The recommended treatment for leptospirosis is antibiotics, with doxycycline and penicillin being the primary options, and ceftriaxone is a suitable alternative, especially in severe cases, as demonstrated by studies such as 1 and 2. For mild cases, oral doxycycline 100mg twice daily for 7 days is typically prescribed. For severe cases requiring hospitalization, intravenous penicillin G at 1.5 million units every 6 hours for 7 days is the standard approach. Alternatively, ampicillin (0.5-1g IV every 6 hours) or ceftriaxone (1g IV daily) can be used, as shown in studies 2 and 1.
Some key points to consider in the treatment of leptospirosis include:
- Early intervention with antibiotics significantly improves outcomes, as noted in 3.
- Supportive care is essential, including hydration, fever management, and monitoring for complications like kidney failure or respiratory distress.
- In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary for acute kidney injury, as highlighted in 4.
- Antibiotics work by eliminating the Leptospira bacteria from the bloodstream and tissues, preventing further damage to organs like the liver and kidneys.
- Prompt treatment not only reduces the severity and duration of illness but also decreases the risk of serious complications, as discussed in 5.
It's worth noting that while corticosteroids and supportive care may be used in certain cases, as described in 4, the primary treatment for leptospirosis remains antibiotic therapy. The choice of antibiotic may depend on the severity of the disease, patient factors, and local resistance patterns, but ceftriaxone is a reasonable alternative in severe leptospirosis, as demonstrated by 1.