Which antibiotic is considered for initial treatment of leptospirosis?

The antibiotic that is initially considered for the treatment of leptospirosis is penicillin. Leptospirosis is caused by infection with the Leptospira bacteria, and early treatment is crucial for the best outcomes. Penicillin is effective against the bacteria and is typically used in cases where the patient presents with severe symptoms or renal involvement.

While other antibiotics like doxycycline are also effective against leptospirosis, they are not the first line of treatment in all scenarios, especially in severe cases. Amoxicillin and cephalexin may not provide the same level of efficacy as penicillin when treating this particular infection. Thus, penicillin's proven effectiveness in combating the specific bacterial strains responsible for leptospirosis makes it the preferred choice during initial treatment.