Pulmonary complications of leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis that is prevalent in tropical regions because of the favorable environmental survival conditions of its etiologic agent. The disease has a broad spectrum of clinical findings and is caused by a spirochete called Leptospira interrogans. It is most commonly transmitted to humans by indirect contact with infected animals. It is an acute, febrile illness characterized by generalized vascular injury, mainly capillary damage, in the affected organs. Pulmonary involvement is usually incidental and mild in the course of the disease, but nevertheless it may be a prognostic factor associated with mortality.