In an unusual trend, cases of bacteria-induced jaundice are growing in the city in the recent past. And the condition is manifesting more frequently in young adults.
Symptoms of fever
In viral hepatitis, the fever lasts only for two-three days and would not last beyond a week, according to Dr. P.N. Rao, Chief Hepatologist at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology. But fever was the predominant symptom in leptospirosis-caused jaundice.
In such cases, immediate diagnosis and administration of antibiotics was crucial as any delay could lead to renal failure and affect other vital organs as well.
Normally leptospirosis-related infections manifest during rainy season as a result of bad sanitation and contamination of water. But post-rainy season too, many cases are surfacing. Another worrisome feature was that leptospirosis infections were manifesting in the general population unlike in the past when only sewage and sanitation workers used to get affected.
“A kind of population transmission is going on. We are finding leptospirosis in general population but not in clusters as was seen in sewage workers,” said Dr. Manisha Bangar, Head of the Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CARE Hospitals.
Though the trend was increasing, it is not in epidemic form. Leptospriosis-caused jaundice was being seen in at least at least three/ four of every 10 cases of liver disease in her hospital. The causes could be varied, including depressed immunity of the patient and lack of hygiene.
New agents
Pointing out that jaundice could be caused by many factors like infections, alcohol, malignancy, stone disease and to a great extent by infective agents, hepatitis A and E. But of late increasing new agents like leptospirosis, dengue and mixed infections were also seen as a cause of acute liver failure. In cases of pre-existing liver disease, leptospirosis-caused jaundice could also lead to mortality, cautioned Dr. Manisha.
Dr. P.N. Rao said that a simple blood or urine test would establish if the jaundice was caused by leptospirosis. In case the total leucocyte count (TLC) was higher, it could be a pointer to leptospirosis.
Both the experts stressed the need to create awareness about this type of jaundice, even among doctors. There should be more aggressive investigation as the condition was treatable. They also cautioned patients against taking recourse to herbal and other types of treatment for jaundice.
