RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Leptospirosis Registry - LeptoScope

LeptoScope is a research registry focused on leptospirosis, a serious infection spread by animal urine, contaminated water, or soil. This study aims to gather and analyse existing information from medical records of people who have had leptospirosis. The goal is to better understand how common the infection is, how it affects different people, what symptoms it causes, and how it progresses. By collecting details like age, other health conditions, and length of hospital stay, researchers hope to learn more about why some people get very ill and how care can be improved. This information is especially important as cases of leptospirosis are increasing worldwide.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Cologne

Enrolment target

200

Start

04 Mar 2020

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2030

Leptospirosis

What is this study about?

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by tiny germs called Leptospira, which are found in animal urine, contaminated water, or soil. While humans don't usually get it, they can get infected by accident if they come into contact with these germs. Once in the body, these germs can cause a serious illness that sometimes affects important organs like the kidneys, liver, heart, and even the brain.

Over the years, doctors have noticed that more people are getting severe leptospirosis, leading to problems like kidney failure or breathing difficulties. Because of this rise in cases and changes in how the germs are spreading, specialists urgently need more information. The LeptoScope study aims to fill these gaps in our knowledge. Researchers will be looking at existing patient records from different hospitals to understand more about who gets the infection, how it affects them, what makes it worse, and the specific types of germs involved.

By gathering this vital information, LeptoScope hopes to provide a clearer picture of leptospirosis. This will help doctors and public health experts to better prevent outbreaks, understand why some cases are more severe, and develop more effective ways to treat people who get infected. It's all about learning from past experiences to improve care for future patients.

Key takeaways

LeptoScope is a study collecting past medical information about leptospirosis.
It aims to better understand this serious infection as cases are increasing.
No active participation (like visits or tests) is required from patients.
The study helps improve future care and understanding of leptospirosis.
Your privacy and data confidentiality are important to the researchers.

Who may be eligible?

This study is gathering information from existing patient records. You might be included if you previously had a diagnosed case of leptospirosis confirmed by tests like blood or tissue samples.

Also, if you had clear symptoms of widespread leptospirosis but your tests didn’t definitively show the infection, your information might still be included. The study also uses 'control' cases – these are people who were in the same hospital as someone with leptospirosis but didn't have the infection themselves. They'll be matched by things like age and other health conditions.

You would not be included if you only had the germs in your body without actually getting sick, or if you had a positive test result but the infection didn't spread throughout your body.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Did you previously have a diagnosis of leptospirosis confirmed by tests?
Did you have clear symptoms of widespread leptospirosis, even if tests weren't fully conclusive?
Your medical records are being used as part of a review of past patients.
You did NOT just carry the germ without getting sick, or have a contained infection.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your past medical records are chosen for this registry, you won't need to do anything or attend any appointments. This study only collects information already recorded in your medical history. No new tests, medications, or visits are required from you. The researchers will simply review existing data, such as records of your demographics (like age), any other health conditions you had, and how long you stayed in hospital during your illness.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only involves looking at existing medical records, there are no direct physical risks to you. Your personal information will be kept private and anonymised as much as possible. The main benefit is that your past health information could help researchers better understand leptospirosis, potentially leading to improved prevention and treatment for others in the future. You have the right to ask for your data to be withdrawn from the registry if you change your mind, though typically, this kind of study anonymizes data quickly.

Locations (1)

University Hospital of Cologne
Verified postcode
Cologne, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by specific germs, often spread through animal urine, contaminated water, or soil. It can cause serious illness in humans.

Why is this study important?

Cases of severe leptospirosis are increasing, and this study will help doctors understand more about how the infection spreads, affects people, and how best to treat it.

Do I need to do anything if my data is included?

No, you don't need to do anything. The study only looks at information already in your past medical records; no new tests or appointments are needed.

Will my personal details be kept private?

Yes, researchers will take care to protect your privacy and keep your information confidential. Your personal details will be kept anonymous wherever possible.

How will this study help patients?

By gathering more knowledge about leptospirosis, the study aims to improve diagnosis, treatment, and our understanding of the infection for future patients.

How to find out more

Felix Köhler, MD

felix.koehler@uk-koeln.de +4922147897222 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.