Evaluation of pneumococcal urinary antigen testing for respiratory tract infection investigations

ObjectiveThe pneumococcal urinary antigen test enables rapid bacteriological diagnosis in respiratory tract infections. The objective was to identify factors associated with a positive pneumococcal urinary antigen test result.Patients and methodsThis seven-year retrospective monocentric study was performed on consecutive patients presenting with respiratory tract infections reported as pneumococcal-positive. Epidemiological, biological, and radiological factors were analyzed, and severity scores were calculated.ResultsA total of 223 patients were included. Significant associations were observed between positive test results and age over 65 years (P = 0.01), positive test results and immunosuppression factors (blood disease [25% Ag+ group vs. 4% Ag− group, P = 0.001], immunosuppressive therapy [10% Ag+ group vs. 0% Ag− group, P = 0.02]). Clinically, fever (64% Ag+ group vs. 42% Ag− group, P = 0.01) and cough (46% Ag+ group vs. 19% Ag− group, P < 0.01) were associated with a positive result, as were radiological alveolar opacities (67% Ag+ group vs. 44% Ag− group, P = 0.01). High PSI score was associated with the Ag+ group (79% vs. 56% Ag− group, P = 0.001).ConclusionAge, immunosuppressive factors, typical pneumococcal symptoms, and PSI scores were associated with a positive pneumococcal urinary antigen result.     

Acute kidney injury in infective endocarditis: A retrospective analysis

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with high case fatality in infective endocarditis (IE), but epidemiological data on the frequency of AKI during IE is scarce. We aimed to describe the frequency and risk factors for AKI during the course of IE using Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes consensual criteria.MethodsUsing the French hospital discharge database (French acronym PMSI), we retrospectively reviewed the charts of 112 patients presenting with a first episode of probable or definite IE between January 2010 and May 2015.ResultsSeventy-seven patients (68.8%) developed AKI. In univariate analysis, risk factors for AKI were cardiac surgery for IE (n = 29, 37.7% vs. n = 4, 1.4%, P < 0.0005), cardiac failure (n = 29, 36.7% vs. n = 1, 2.9%, P < 0.0005), diabetes mellitus (n = 14, 18.2% vs. n = 1, 0.9%, P = 0.034), and prosthetic valve IEs (n = 24, 31.2% vs. n = 4, 11.4%). No differences were observed for gentamicin exposure (n = 57, 64% vs. n = 32, 86.5%, P = 0.286). Prosthetic valve IE, cardiac failure, and vancomycin exposure were independently associated with AKI with respective odds ratio of 5.49 (95% CI 1.92–17.9), 4.37 (95% CI 4.37–465.7), and 1.084 (1.084–16.2). Mean length of hospital stay was significantly longer in patients presenting with AKI than in controls (respectively 52.4 ± 22.1 days vs. 39.6 ± 12.6, P < 0.005).ConclusionAKI is very frequent during IE, particularly in patients with prosthetic valve IE, cardiac failure, and those receiving vancomycin.     

Linezolid versus vancomycin cost in the treatment of staphylococcal pneumonia

ObjectiveStaphylococcus aureus is involved in around 20% of nosocomial pneumonia cases. Vancomycin used to be the reference antibiotic in this indication, but new molecules have been commercialized, such as linezolid. Previous studies comparing vancomycin and linezolid were based on models. Comparing their real costs from a hospital perspective was needed.MethodsWe performed a bicentric retrospective analysis with a cost-minimization analysis. The hospital antibiotic acquisition costs were used, as well as the laboratory test and administration costs from the health insurance cost scale. The cost of each hospital stay was evaluated using the national cost scale per diagnosis related group (DRG), and was then weighted by the stay duration.ResultsFifty-eight patients were included. All bacteria identified in pulmonary samples were S. aureus. The cost of nursing care per stay with linezolid was €234.10 (SD = 91.50) vs. €381.70 (SD = 184.70) with vancomycin (P = 0.0029). The cost of laboratory tests for linezolid was €172.30 (SD = 128.90) per stay vs. €330.70 (SD = 198.40) for vancomycin (P = 0.0005). The acquisition cost of linezolid per stay was not different from vancomycin based on the price of the generic drug (€54.92 [SD = 20.54] vs. €40.30 [SD = 22.70]). After weighting by the duration of stay observed, the mean cost per hospital stay was €47,411.50 for linezolid and €57,694.0 for vancomycin (NSD).ConclusionThese results, in favor of linezolid, support other former pharmacoeconomic study based on models. The mean cost per hospitalization stay was not statistically different between the two study groups, but a trend in favor of linezolid is emerging.     

Tocilizumab therapy reduced intensive care unit admissions and/or mortality in COVID-19 patients

IntroductionNo therapy has yet proven effective in COVID-19. Tocilizumab (TCZ) in patients with severe COVID-19 could be an effective treatment.MethodWe conducted a retrospective case-control study in the Nord Franche-Comté Hospital, France. We compared the outcome of patients treated with TCZ and patients without TCZ considering a combined primary endpoint: death and/or ICU admissions.ResultsPatients with TCZ (n = 20) had a higher Charlson comorbidity index (5.3 [±2.4] vs 3.4 [±2.6], P = 0.014), presented with more severe forms (higher level of oxygen therapy at 13 L/min vs 6 L/min, P < 0.001), and had poorer biological findings (severe lymphopenia: 676/mm³ vs 914/mm³, P = 0.037 and higher CRP level: 158 mg/L vs 105 mg/L, P = 0.017) than patients without TCZ (n = 25). However, death and/or ICU admissions were higher in patients without TCZ than in the TCZ group (72% vs 25%, P = 0.002).ConclusionDespite the small sample size and retrospective nature of the work, this result strongly suggests that TCZ may reduce the number of ICU admissions and/or mortality in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.     

The medication discrepancy detection service: A cost-effective multidisciplinary clinical approach

ObjectiveTo estimate the effectiveness of a Medication Discrepancy Detection Service (MDDS), a collaborative service between the community pharmacy and Primary Care.DesignNon-controlled before-and-after study.SettingBidasoa Integrated Healthcare Organisation, Gipuzkoa, Spain.ParticipantsThe service was provided by a multidisciplinary group of community pharmacists (CPs), general practitioners (GPs), and primary care pharmacists, to patients with discrepancies between their active medical charts and medicines that they were actually taking.OutcomesThe primary outcomes were the number of medicines, the type of discrepancy, and GPs’ decisions. Secondary outcomes were time spent by CPs, emergency department (ED) visits, hospital admissions, and costs.ResultsThe MDDS was provided to 143 patients, and GPs resolved discrepancies for 126 patients. CPs identified 259 discrepancies, among which the main one was patients not taking medicines listed on their active medical charts (66.7%, n = 152). The main GPs’ decision was to withdraw the treatment (54.8%, n = 125), which meant that the number of medicines per patient was reduced by 0.92 (9.12 ± 3.82 vs. 8.20 ± 3.81; p < .0001). The number of ED visits and hospital admissions per patient were reduced by 0.10 (0.61 ± .13 vs 0.52 ± 0.91; p = .405 and 0.17 (0.33 ± 0.66 vs. 0.16 ± 0.42; p = .007), respectively. The cost per patient was reduced by €444.9 (€1003.3 ± 2165.3 vs. €558.4 ± 1273.0; p = .018).ConclusionThe MDDS resulted in a reduction in the number of medicines per patients and number of hospital admissions, and the service was associated with affordable, cost-effective ratios.     

Progression of quality of life in patients with grade 3 obesity after a 36 months care pathway with and without bariatric surgery

ObjectivesBeyond somatic consequences, excess weight affects quality of life. In the literature this has markedly improved in the first 6 months, but has decreased later. The originality of our work in that is based on the comparison of two groups of patients, surgical and non-surgical ones, monitored by a multi-professional team for 3 years.MethodsThe sample is comprised of 32 subjects divided into two groups: 17 subjects from the non-surgical pathway and 15 from the surgical one. The Quality of Life, Obesity, and Dietetics questionnaire (QOLOD), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ), age, BMI, and sex were recorded.ResultsAt baseline, age was significantly different between two groups (surgery vs. non-surgery). BMI and QOLOD improvement were significantly more important in surgical group (?13.6 kg [?19.2; ?10.8] vs. 0.0 kg [?2.8; 3.0] P < 0.001 and 16.9 [8.5; 32.2 vs. 2.1 [?9.4; 16.2], P = 0.004). The progression of the QOLOD score correlated negatively with the progression of BMI (r = ?0.5, P = 0.005)ConclusionThere is a link between post-surgery weight loss and improved quality of life at 36 months. We suggest a qualitative follow-up survey for surgical and non-surgical obese patients.     

Functional signs in patients consulting for presumed Lyme borreliosis

IntroductionLittle is known about the functional symptoms associated with Lyme borreliosis (LB) in Europe. We aimed to assess functional symptoms associated with presumed LB and to compare patients with and without confirmed LB.Materials and methodsWe performed a retrospective monocenter study. Patients consulting for presumed LB were included.ResultsBetween November 2015 and June 2018, 355 patients were included (mean age: 51 years, 52% of women) of which 48 had LB: erythema migrans (42%), early disseminated LB (50%; 35% of neuroborreliosis cases), and late disseminated LB (8%). The most frequently reported functional symptoms were neuropathic pain (23%), arthralgia (23%), and asthenia (17%). Other functional symptoms were rare (≤ 10%). Three hundred and seven (86%) patients did not have LB. Patients with confirmed LB reported fewer functional symptoms than patients without LB (1.8 (± 1.7) vs. 3.6 (± 2.5), P < 0.001) with a shorter duration of symptoms (< 3 months in 48% vs. 16% of cases, P < 0.001). They less often reported asthenia (17% vs. 59%, P < 0.001), widespread pain (10% vs. 31%, P = 0.003), myalgia (10% vs. 32%, P = 0.002), memory disorders (4% vs. 16%, P = 0.03), irritability (2% vs. 23%, P ± 0.001), and sadness (0% vs. 16%, P = 0.003).ConclusionIn patients consulting for presumed LB, patients diagnosed with LB had fewer and shorter functional symptoms than patients without LB.     

Overweight and obesity in Eastern Morocco: Prevalence and associated risk factors among high school students

BackgroundOverweight and obesity in children and adolescents have become a major public health problem affecting most countries worldwide. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of overweight and obesity among public high school students in Eastern Morocco.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and May 2014 among a sample of 2271 students (1086 girls and 1185 boys). References from the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity reached 12.2% (14.2% in girls vs 10.4% in boys, P < 0.01) and 3.0% (3.1% in girls vs 2.8% in boys), respectively. Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity were urban residence (OR = 1.76; [1.18–2.63]; P < 0.01), father's income ≥ 5000 MAD (OR = 1.32; [1.02–1.70]; P < 0.05), father's overweight (including obesity) (OR = 1.87; [1.38–2.54]; P < 0.001) and female sex (OR = 1.31; [1.02–1.68]; P < 0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight/obesity has reached an alarming rate among high school students in the Eastern region of Morocco. The findings of the present study suggest an urgent need to set up a strategy to prevent and combat this epidemic.     

Penicilliosis and AIDS in Haiphong,Vietnam: Evolution and predictive factors of death

ObjectivesThe study objective was to assess the lethality rates and the predictive factors for death in AIDS patients infected by Penicillium marneffei (Pm) in Hai Phong, Vietnam.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted by reviewing 103 medicals records of confirmed cases from June 2006 to August 2009.ResultsPenicilliosis-related mortality was very high (33%). The majors risk factors of death were: (i) patient lacking complete treatment, a regimen with both of secondary prophylaxis by itraconazole and HAART (OR = 52.2, P < 0.001); (ii) patients having received only secondary prophylaxis (OR = 21.2, P < 0.001); (iii) patients coinfected by hepatitis C (OR = 2.3, P = 0.02) and tuberculosis (OR = 1.97, P = 0.04). Penicilliosis occurred in 28 cases after initiation of ART, probably caused by IRIS, with the same signs and symptoms as “common” penicilliosis. However, the diagnosis of IRIS was ruled out because the viral load could not be assessed.ConclusionsPenicilliosis is very frequent in the North of Vietnam. A good compliance to a complete treatment with healing antifungal (Amphotericin B) then secondary prophylaxis (Itraconazole) associate with ART, prolongs survival, prevents relapse, and also allows discontinuing a secondary prophylaxis in a half of the cases.     

Efficacy of a tailored PCR-guided triple therapy in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection

IntroductionResistance to clarithromycin and fluoroquinolones is increasing in many countries. We aimed to assess the efficacy of a tailored PCR-guided triple therapy versus an empirical triple therapy in the treatment of H. pylori infection.Patients and methodsFrench multicenter prospective open-label randomized study to assess H. pylori and resistance to clarithromycin and levofloxacin with GenoType HelicoDR® test. Patients of the control group were treated with empirical therapy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 7 days. Patients of the experimental group with clarithromycin-susceptible strains, clarithromycin-resistant/levofloxacin-susceptible strains, and with clarithromycin-resistant/levofloxacin-resistant strains received tailored therapy of PPI, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 7 days, PPI, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin for 10 days, and PPI, amoxicillin, and metronidazole for 14 days, respectively. H. pylori eradication was assessed by ¹³C urea breath test at least 28 days after the end of treatment.ResultsWe included 526 patients: 260 (49.4%) were randomly assigned to empirical triple therapy and 266 (50.6%) to tailored therapy. Clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistances were 23.3% and 12.8%, respectively. Follow-up urea breath test was available for 415 (78.9%) patients. Tailored therapy was superior to empirical therapy in terms of eradication (85.5% vs. 73.1%, RR = 1.85, 95%CI [1.25–2.78], p = 0.003). Findings were consistent in the susceptibility analysis using multiple imputation (RR = 1.61, 95%CI [1.14–2.27], P = 0.003) and per-protocol analysis (RR = 1.89, 95%CI [0.25–2.78], p = 0.003).ConclusionIn a country with a high level of clarithromycin resistance, tailored PCR-guided therapy was superior to empirical triple therapy for H. pylori eradication (https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01168063).     

Varicella zoster virus infection of the central nervous system in a tertiary care center in Lebanon

ObjectiveTo describe the clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of patients with VZV meningitis and encephalitis consulting at two medical centers in Lebanon.MethodsRetrospective study of patients with VZV meningitis and/or encephalitis confirmed by positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) VZV PCR.ResultsTwenty patients were identified (13 males). The average age was 49.7 ± 22.2 years. The most common complaint was headache (n = 17/20). Common comorbidities included hypertension (n = 7/20) and diabetes mellitus (n = 5/20). Immunosuppression was reported in two patients. Vesicles were only observed in eight patients. Altered mental status, focal neurological deficits, and fever were documented in six, two, and four patients respectively. All patients had CSF leukocytosis with lymphocytic predominance, normal CSF/serum glucose ratio, and high CSF protein. Eighteen patients had brain CT scans showing no relevant findings. Two of 12 patients with brain MRI had focal abnormalities. Unilateral temporal slow waves were observed in three of four patients who underwent electroencephalograms. Four patients had encephalitis and 16 had meningitis. Eighteen patients received an antiviral therapy. Treatment either included intravenous acyclovir or oral valacyclovir. The encephalitis and meningitis groups had comparable mean duration of treatment (13.5 ± 6.6 vs. 12.2 ± 5.4, respectively). All admitted patients showed clinical cure with no reported neurological sequelae.ConclusionVZV infection should be suspected in any patient with signs and symptoms of viral meningitis or encephalitis, irrespective of age, immune status, presence or absence of vesicles, fever, or neck stiffness.     

Prediabetes and deprivation: A couple at high risk of diabetes

AimThe higher prevalence of diabetes in deprived populations is well documented but little is known about the risk of diabetes associated with deprivation among pre-diabetic subjects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of diabetes in a population of deprived pre-diabetic patients.Methods2743 pre-diabetic subjects identified using the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria, 16 to 85 years old, 1656 non-deprived and 1087 deprived, had at least two health check-ups at an interval of 4.95 (2.04) vs 3.20 (1.71) years, P < 0.0001, respectively. At the first visit, socioeconomic status was assessed using the EPICES score to differentiate deprived and non-deprived subjects.ResultsAt the second visit, the prevalence of overt diabetes was 9.5% among deprived vs 5.1% in the non-deprived group (P < 0.001). After adjustment on confounding factors, deprivation was found independently associated with occurrence of diabetes [1.70 (1.15–2.51), P = 0.01]. Beyond social deprivation, Fasting Plasma Glucose and waist circumference were the main independent predictors of new-onset diabetes.ConclusionAfter 4 years of follow-up, among subjects with prediabetes, prevalence of diabetes was twice as high among deprived compared with non-deprived subjects. Deprived populations with pre-diabetes may require specific public health approaches to avoid the occurrence of overt diabetes.     

Pain intensity and imaging at the initial phase of acute pyelonephritis

ObjectiveTo identify predictive factors of urological complication on imaging findings in women with pyelonephritis aged 18 to 65 years.MethodsWe performed an observational, retrospective, single-center study. The medical charts of women diagnosed with pyelonephritis at the emergency department from 2010 to 2015 were reviewed. Only patients who underwent an imaging study at the emergency department and with microbiologically confirmed pyelonephritis were included for analysis. The primary endpoint was the presence of urological complications on imaging findings. The secondary endpoint was treatment changes after imaging diagnosis.ResultsOf the 193 women enrolled, 88 (45.6%) had urological complication(s) on imaging findings. The multivariate analysis revealed that history of urolithiasis (OR = 2.41; P = 0.01) and pain requiring morphine use (OR = 5.29; P = 0.009) were predictive of urological complications on imaging findings. Of the 120 women with uncomplicated pyelonephritis who underwent imaging studies, 45% had urological complication, resulting in a treatment change in 36.7% of patients. The multivariate analysis revealed that age > 40 years (OR = 4.58; P = 0.02) and pain requiring morphine use (OR = 3.78; P = 0.02) were predictive of urological complication(s) on imaging findings and of treatment change based on imaging findings (OR = 6.76; P = 0.005 and OR = 4.19; P = 0.01 respectively) in this subgroup.ConclusionsPain requiring morphine use, age, and history of urolithiasis are independent predictors of urological complications on imaging findings in patients with acute pyelonephritis.     

An internet-delivered exercise intervention for workplace health promotion in overweight sedentary employees: A randomized trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of structured vs. non-structured internet-delivered exercise recommendations on aerobic exercise capacity and cardiovascular risk profile in overweight sedentary employees.Methods140 employees of an automobile company (11% female, median age 48 years (range 25–60), BMI 29.0 kg/m² (25.0–34.8)) were randomized in a 3:2 ratio to an intervention group receiving structured exercise schedules or a control group choosing workouts individually via an interactive website. The 12-week intervention took place in Munich, Germany, during summer 2008. Main outcome measure was performance at the lactate anaerobic threshold (P_AT/kg) during ergometry.Results77 participants completed the study. The intervention group (n = 50) improved significantly in P_AT/kg ((mean (SD)) 1.68 (0.31) vs. 1.81 (0.33) W/kg; p = 0.002), VO₂peak (3.21 (0.63) vs. 3.35 (0.74) L/min; p = 0.04), and waist circumference (100.5 (7.9) vs. 98.0 (7.8) cm; p = 0.001). The control group (n = 27) improved significantly in P_AT/kg (1.59 (0.38) vs. 1.80 (0.49); p < 0.001) and waist circumference (101.9 (8.7) vs. 98.3 (8.5) cm; p < 0.001), but not in VO₂peak. No significant between group differences in these outcome measures were noted.ConclusionStructured, internet-delivered exercise recommendations are not superior to internet-delivered non-structured exercise recommendations in a workplace setting. Both lifestyle intervention strategies are, however, limited by high dropout rates.     

Role of an electronic armband in motor function monitoring in patients with Parkinson's disease

ObjectiveLevodopa replacement still is the gold standard for the management of Parkinson's disease (PD). Long-term treatment with levodopa is frequently associated with motor fluctuations. A low-protein (LP) dietary regimen has proved to be effective in reducing this adverse effect, but has been associated with weight loss, probably due to increased energy expenditure. A new wearable device (SenseWear Armband [SWA]) has recently been introduced into clinical practice. It is designed to monitor physical activity continuously and provide estimates of energy consumption. We assessed its role in measuring the effects of dietary regimens on motor function in PD.MethodsSix patients with levodopa-treated PD and motor fluctuations were asked to follow a balanced diet (protein 1 g · kg^?1 · d^?1) for 7 d and then to cross over to a isocaloric LP (protein 0.7 g · kg^?1 · d^?1) dietary regimen. Total daily energy expenditures, physical activity, number of steps, and metabolic rate were assessed continuously (14 d) by the SWA. Motor control was evaluated by daily diaries.ResultsThe SWA proved that, during the LP diet, mean total daily energy expenditure was higher (P < 0.05) and so were physical activity (P = 0.05) and average metabolic rate (P = 0.01), despite no change in the number of steps. The duration of periods with dyskinesias was also increased (P < 0.05). These data support the role of upper-extremity involuntary movements in increasing total daily energy expenditure during an LP diet.ConclusionThe SWA may help in monitoring patients with PD because it can assist in evaluating motor response to treatment and changes in physical activity and daily calorie needs.     

Vitamin D,cardio-inflammation,and endothelial dysfunction in older adults after orthopedic surgery: Results from an open-label trial to ameliorate cardiac function

ObjectivesAfter orthopedic surgery, clinical outcomes are affected by comorbid cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-(OH)D). Myocardial function was suggested to be influenced by both the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and the marker of endothelial dysfunction asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA).Material and methodsWe investigated TNFα and ADMA changes in association with serum levels of vitamin D and cardiac function in 47 older adults after major orthopedic surgery. Subjects were characterized for biochemical profiles and transthoracic echocardiographic measures. Assessments were done before and after the correction of hypovitaminosis D through a 6-month supplementation with calcifediol started at post-operative rehabilitation.ResultsThe means serum levels of both TNFα and ADMA reduced from 1.39 ± 0.47 pg/mL to 1.30 ± 0.37 pg/mL (P < 0.05) and from 0.69 ± 0.05 μmol/L to 0.68 ± 0.04 μmol/L (P < 0.05), respectively. Significant treatment effects were observed for systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05), left ventricular ejection function (P < 0.01), global longitudinal strain (P < 0.0001), 25-(OH)D (P < 0.001), and calcemia (P < 0.001).ConclusionAfter the normalization of low levels of vitamin D, we were able to observe a reduction of circulating TNFα and ADMA together with the amelioration of cardiac function. Even if our results suggest that vitamin D might exert cardiac effects indirectly through the decrease in cardio-inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, a better understanding of the precise molecular regulations should be better investigated.     

Identifying factors associated with treatment delay in leptospirosis: A retrospective study of patients admitted to hospital in Reunion (Indian Ocean) between 2014 and 2015

BackgroundLeptospirosis is a life-threatening zoonotic disease for which delayed treatment onset has been associated to poor prognosis. The purpose of the study was to identify the determinants of therapeutic delay in hospitalized leptospirosis cases.Patients and methodsWe carried out a retrospective multicenter study in the 4 public hospitals of Reunion Island, South Western Indian Ocean. Medical records of confirmed leptospirosis cases occurring in 2014–2015 were reviewed for socio-economic, demographic, geographic and medical data. The primary outcome measure was the therapeutic delay, defined as the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and initiation of antibiotics.ResultsOf the 117 patients included, 107 were men, with an average age of 44.9 ± 15 years. The median therapeutic delay was 4 days (interquartile: 2–5 days) and this delay was not found to be associated with severity. The following were found to be at increased risk of having a longer therapeutic delay: cases occurring outside the epidemic period, or rainy season (OR 2.8 [1.08–7.3], P = 0.04) and cases with first medical evaluation in primary health care (OR 4.63 [1.43–14.93]; P = 0.01) instead of emergency unit. No socio-economic or geographic characteristics were found to be linked to a longer therapeutic delay.ConclusionAlthough delayed treatment was not associated to disease severity, our results indicate that leptospirosis awareness is needed all year in the subtropical area of Reunion Island and particularly in primary care.