Which treatment is indicated for leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira bacteria, which are typically transmitted through contact with water contaminated by animal urine. The treatment of choice for leptospirosis primarily involves the use of antibiotics. Ceftriaxone or penicillin is indicated because these antibiotics are effective against the Leptospira species, helping to reduce the severity of the illness and prevent complications.

Early initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce the risk of severe manifestations, such as renal failure or jaundice. Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin that can penetrate adequately into tissues, while penicillin provides excellent coverage against the leptospiral infection.

In contrast, the other treatment options listed do not have a role in managing leptospirosis. Amphotericin is an antifungal medication used for severe fungal infections; valganciclovir is an antiviral drug primarily for cytomegalovirus infections; and clarithromycin or ethambutol are antibiotics used to treat infections like atypical pneumonia and tuberculosis, respectively, but they are not effective against leptospires. Therefore, the use of ceftriaxone or penicillin is the appropriate approach for treating leptospirosis.