WEILS DISEASE - REPORT OF 12 CASES

The epidemiological distribution and clinical features of 12 cases of Weil's disease from Turkey, are reviewed. The disease is most common i n male farmers from rural areas. Myalgia and jaundice were recorded in all patients. Signs included vomiting in 9 patients, haemorrhages in 6, and renal function was impaired in 6. Creatine phosphokinase levels were found above normal limits in 75% of the cases. Leptospires were demonstrated with dark-field microscopy in the blood of 9 and in the u rine of 5 of these patients. The diagnosis was confirmed with microsco pic agglutination test (MAT) as well as with ELISA. Ig M antibodies we re detected in 11 (92%) of the patients and is an accurate marker for acute leptospirosis. Penicillin was used for therapy and the outcome w as favorable in 10 patients. Two patients died. It should be kept in m ind that leptospirosis is an extremely severe disease which requires a ppropriate examinations at the right moment.