Failure of penicillin prophylaxis in laboratory acquired leptospirosis

Postgrad Med J. 1988 Mar;64(749):236-8. doi: 10.1136/pgmj.64.749.236.

Abstract

A laboratory technician developed leptospirosis following accidental inoculation, despite prompt administration of parenteral penicillin by an accepted regimen of post-exposure prophylaxis. Another technician was similarly exposed and was given doxycycline; no illness or serological conversion followed. The implications of these cases are discussed and recommendations made for post-exposure chemoprophylaxis with doxycycline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Occupational
  • Adult
  • Doxycycline / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Laboratory Infection / prevention & control*
  • Leptospira interrogans
  • Leptospirosis / prevention & control*
  • Penicillin G / therapeutic use*
  • Penicillin Resistance

Substances

  • Doxycycline
  • Penicillin G