Leishman-Donovan bodies at bone marrow examination

Area of Science:

• Parasitology
• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Tropical Medicine

Background:

• Leishmaniasis is a significant parasitic disease prevalent in developing and tropical regions.
• Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) represents the most severe form, invariably fatal if untreated.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for managing VL.

Observation:

• An 11-month-old infant presented with failure to thrive, pancytopenia, and splenomegaly.
• Microscopic bone marrow examination confirmed the presence of Leishmania amastigotes.
• This case highlights a severe presentation of VL in an infant.

Findings:

• The infant was diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis based on clinical presentation and parasitic identification.
• Microscopic evidence of Leishmania amastigotes in bone marrow confirmed the diagnosis.
• The findings underscore the diagnostic utility of bone marrow examination in suspected VL cases.

Implications:

• VL should be strongly considered in pediatric cases exhibiting fever, failure to thrive, organomegaly, and pancytopenia.
• This case emphasizes the importance of considering VL in the differential diagnosis of pediatric illnesses in endemic areas.
• Timely diagnosis and intervention are essential to prevent fatal outcomes in infants with VL.