# Double Blow in the Tropics: A Case of Concurrent Leptospirosis and Scrub Typhus

## TL;DR

A man in South India had a rare case of being infected with both Leptospirosis and Scrub Typhus at the same time.

## Contribution

The paper reports a rare coinfection of Leptospirosis and Scrub Typhus in South India.

## Key findings

- The patient showed symptoms of high fever and headache, with lab results indicating leucocytosis and organ dysfunction.
- Coinfection was confirmed through positive IgM tests for both Leptospira and scrub typhus.
- Early diagnosis and treatment with doxycycline and antibiotics were critical to prevent severe outcomes.

## Abstract

A 34-year-old male, with no history of known previous disease, employed at a ginger farm in South India, presented with a four-day history of high-grade fever and headache. Initially, he received symptomatic treatment but was referred due to hypotension and persistent fever. Investigations showed leucocytosis, thrombocytopenia, abnormal liver function tests, renal dysfunction, and elevated C-reactive protein. Positive results were obtained for Leptospira immunoglobulin M (IgM) and scrub typhus IgM tests, indicating a coinfection, reported rarely from this region. Timely clinical suspicion, prompt laboratory diagnosis, and early treatment with doxycycline and broad-spectrum antibiotics are crucial to prevent complications and fatal outcomes in such coinfections.