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First case of visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania martiniquensis
Bernard Liautaud1, Nicolas Vignier2, Charline Miossec1
1Department of Tropical and Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Fort-de-France, Fort-de-France, Martinique, French West Indies; Department of Tropical and Infectious Disease, University Hospital of Avicenne, Bobigny, France; Parasitology and Mycology Laboratory, University Hospital of Fort-de-France, Fort-de-France, Martinique, French West Indies; Hematology Laboratory, University Hospital of Fort-de-France, Fort-de-France, Martinique, French West Indies; Hematology Unit, University Hospital of Fort-de-France, Fort-de-France, Martinique, French West Indies; University Hospital of Montpellier, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5290, French National Reference Center for Leishmaniasis, Montpellier, France; Faculté des Antilles et de la Guyane, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Medicale CIC1424 and EA4537, Martinique, French West Indies.
Abstract:
We report the first case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania martiniquensis in the Caribbean, which until now, was known only to cause cutaneous leishmaniasis. The disease presented with fatigue, anemia, and hepatosplenomegaly in a 61-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who was receiving antiretroviral therapy. Diagnosis was made by bone marrow biopsy. VL is life-threatening, and its emergence in the Caribbean is of concern.
