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In vivo Imaging of Transgenic Leishmania Parasites in a Live Host
Published on: July 27, 2010
[Visceral leishmaniasis in an immunocompetent subject, acquired in the Pyrenees region]
Denis Malvy1, Félix Djossou, C Ibanez
1Fédération de médecine interne, maladies infectieuses et tropicales, Hôpital Saint-André, Bordeaux (33).
Introduction:
Visceral leishmaniasis can develop in immunocompetent subjects exposed to a risk of infestation during physical activities outdoors.
Case:
A 35-year-old woman was hospitalized for impaired health status with fever, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and pancytopenia, which worsened during her stay. Leishmaniasis was finally diagnosed, based on serologic testing and the finding of Leishmania infantum in the sternal aspiration. Eight months earlier, she had spent two weeks at a lake in the Pyrenees. Treatment with meglumine antimoniate was efficacious.
Comments:
This case is original because of the extent of the organomegaly and its onset after vacation in an area far from those where it is thought to be endemic.
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