What is included in leptospirosis treatment?

• A. Supportive care; IV penicillin for acute disease; doxycycline to eliminate chronic infection
• B. Antivirals only
• C. No treatment is recommended
• D. Surgical intervention is required

Answer: (A)

Leptospirosis treatment centers on addressing both the infection and the patient’s support needs. Supportive care is essential to manage fluids, electrolytes, kidney and liver function, and any respiratory or bleeding complications. For the infection itself, antibiotics help rapidly reduce bacterial burden and shorten the illness. In severe acute disease, intravenous penicillin G is commonly used because it effectively clears the organism and can prevent progression to more serious forms. In milder cases, oral doxycycline is effective and can help eradicate the infection. The concept of a chronic infection isn’t a typical focus in humans, but antibiotics are given to eliminate the organism and prevent ongoing symptoms. Antivirals or surgical intervention alone are not appropriate treatments for leptospirosis; the standard approach is antibiotics combined with supportive care.