Leptospirosis Presenting as Sepsis with Pancytopenia in an Outdoor Enthusiast

We discuss the case of a 39-y-old outdoor enthusiast who developed sepsis with pancytopenia and transaminitis following backcountry camping in the southeastern United States and adventure travel in Costa Rica. Initial evaluation revealed persistent high fevers, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis, with extensive infectious testing initially negative. Convalescent serology later confirmed leptospirosis. Febrile illness in wilderness travelers and outdoor athletes presents a diagnostic challenge, particularly when initial testing is unrevealing and exposures span both local and tropical environments. Leptospirosis is an underrecognized zoonotic infection that can mimic common viral and bacterial syndromes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Wilderness and Environmental Medicine
Published
2026-08-26
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/10806032261473160
Primary Topic
Leptospirosis research and findings
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Leptospirosis Presenting as Sepsis with Pancytopenia in an Outdoor Enthusiast

Alena J. Markmann, David J. Berkoff, Gregory B. Summerville
Wilderness and Environmental Medicine
Leptospirosis research and findings
article

Leptospirosis Presenting as Sepsis with Pancytopenia in an Outdoor Enthusiast

Alena J. Markmann, David J. Berkoff, Gregory B. Summerville
article en

Abstract

We discuss the case of a 39-y-old outdoor enthusiast who developed sepsis with pancytopenia and transaminitis following backcountry camping in the southeastern United States and adventure travel in Costa Rica. Initial evaluation revealed persistent high fevers, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis, with extensive infectious testing initially negative. Convalescent serology later confirmed leptospirosis. Febrile illness in wilderness travelers and outdoor athletes presents a diagnostic challenge, particularly when initial testing is unrevealing and exposures span both local and tropical environments. Leptospirosis is an underrecognized zoonotic infection that can mimic common viral and bacterial syndromes.

Wilderness and Environmental Medicine
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Leptospirosis research and findings
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