[Concurrent leishmaniasis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: a study of four cases]

Few cases of concurrent leishmaniasis and HIV infection have been reported in Brazil, despite both infections being in expansion. Two cases of visceral leishmaniasis and two cases of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis are discussed. Disseminated skin and oral lesions were found in the patients with the cutaneous form of the disease. Prolonged fever, hepatosplenomegaly and pancytopenia were the main manifestations of the visceral form. The CD4 T lymphocyte count was low in all cases. Direct examination of bone marrow aspirate for leishmania and biopsy of cutaneous lesions are the techniques of choice to confirm diagnosis. Pentavalent antimonials and amphotericin B are preferred drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis, including patients with AIDS. The authors recommend the inclusion of this parasitosis in the differential diagnosis of opportunistic diseases in patients with AIDS.