Leptospirosis can present with a wide clinical spectrum, and haematological manifestations are often apparent. We retrospectively analysed platelet counts in 49 patients with leptospirosis. Forty-three patients (87.8%) had thrombocytopenia. Mean baseline platelet counts rose from 69 x 10(9)/l to 151 x 10(9)/l following treatment. Haemorrhagic episodes were observed in 11 patients. Platelet nadir was 29 x 10(9)/l in the group experiencing bleeding and 64 x 10(9)/l in the remainder. Six patients died due to bleeding and one due to sepsis. Thirty-six patients (73.5%) had acute renal failure; their means platelet count was 46 x 10(9)/l. Liver enzyme levels were elevated in all patients. Thrombocyte count, liver enzyme levels and bilirubin levels were significantly correlated. Forty-three (87.8%) patients showed signs of sepsis; mean thrombocyte count was 46 x 10(9)/l in these patients, and 133 x 10(9)/l in those without sepsis. Multiple organ involvement and fulminant disease is usually associated with renal failure and/or thrombocytopenia in leptospirosis.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection becomes chronic in about 85 % of individuals as demonstrated by the persistence of HCV. It is necesseray to treat acute hepatitis C infection. Interferon-a is generally used for the treatment of acute HCV infection. Case presentation:A 55-year-old woman with a history of fatique and icter was diagnosed as acute hepatitis C virus infection. She was treated with interferon-a 2b 3 million unite sc three times in a week and ribavirin 1000 mg daily for 6 months. Within 2 weeks of therapy, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) had became normal. At the end of the 3 months of therapy, HCV RNA was negative and remained negative 6 months after the end of interferon treatment (sustained response). Conclusion:This report suggests that interferon-a 2b and ribavirin may have a role in treatment of acute hepatitis C virus infection.