Visceral leishmaniasis acquired in Greece: diagnosis and treatment in an American child

Reported is a case of visceral leishmaniasis acquired in Greece by a 3-year-old American child. Untreated, this protozoan infection causes a high mortality. Specific treatment is available, making early recognition of the illness important. This child's infection responded dramatically to a course of sodium antimony gluconate. Repeat bone marrow cultures demonstrated persistent organisms and a second course of treatment was required. Monitoring of his response to therapy suggested that serial bone marrow cultures and the neutrophil response may be sensitive means for following the course of this infection.