Suburban leptospirosis: atypical lymphocytosis and gamma-delta T cell response

Clin Infect Dis. 2006 Nov 15;43(10):1304-7. doi: 10.1086/508537. Epub 2006 Oct 16.

Abstract

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease associated with a changing global epidemiology. Recently, an increased incidence of canine leptospirosis in the northeastern United States and Canada has been associated with increasing rates of infection among reservoir hosts, such as skunks, raccoons, and squirrels, that are common in suburban settings. We describe a case of leptospirosis that provides new insight into the epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of this disease acquired in the suburban setting. Atypical lymphocytosis corresponded to an expansion of gamma-delta T cells in peripheral blood.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Dogs
  • Leptospirosis / complications
  • Leptospirosis / epidemiology
  • Leptospirosis / immunology
  • Leptospirosis / veterinary*
  • Lymphocytosis / etiology
  • Lymphocytosis / immunology
  • Lymphocytosis / veterinary*
  • Mephitidae
  • New England / epidemiology
  • Raccoons
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*