LEPTOSPIROSIS MASQUERADING AS IMMUNE THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA IN A 20-YEAR-OLD: A DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE

Abstract

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease with highly variable clinical features. Thrombocytopenia is common but usually occurs alongside fever, jaundice, or renal involvement. Rarely, it may present as isolated thrombocytopenia resembling immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

We describe a 20-year-old healthy male who presented with mucocutaneous bleeding and isolated thrombocytopenia. He was initially treated as ITP with corticosteroids but failed to improve. Subsequent evaluation revealed leptospiral infection. After discontinuing steroids and starting antibiotics, the patient made a full recovery.

This case highlights how leptospirosis can mimic ITP and underscores the importance of considering infectious causes of isolated thrombocytopenia, especially in endemic regions.