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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
11:36
Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Dorsal Skin of Hamsters: a Useful Model for the Screening of Antileishmanial Drugs
Published on: April 21, 2012
Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis associated with the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Smeeta Sinha1, Geover Fernández, Rajendra Kapila
1Dermatology, Infectious Diseases and Pathology, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA.
International Journal of Dermatology
|January 8, 2009
Summary
Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) is a rare HIV-associated infection. This case highlights DCL within immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in an AIDS patient on antiretroviral therapy.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Leishmaniasis is an emerging opportunistic infection in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
- Visceral leishmaniasis is a recognized AIDS-defining illness.
- Diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis (DCL) is a rare, anergic form characterized by nodules and high parasite load.
Observation:
- A case of DCL is presented in an AIDS patient.
- The DCL developed in the context of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).
- This occurred following the initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
Findings:
- The patient presented with numerous nonulcerating nodules and abundant parasites.
- Visceral involvement and a negative leishmanin skin test were noted.
- The condition followed a chronic course with incomplete treatment response and relapses.
Implications:
- Recognizing DCL is crucial in the growing population of immunocompromised patients.
- Understanding DCL within IRIS is important for effective management.
- This case underscores the evolving spectrum of leishmaniasis in HIV-infected individuals undergoing therapy.
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