Visceral leishmaniasis: A leucaemia mimicker: A case report

Area of Science:

• Tropical Medicine
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a significant public health concern, endemic to specific regions of India.
• The disease is typically associated with states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Observation:

• A case of VL was diagnosed in a 25-year-old female from the non-endemic Kashmir region.
• The patient presented with fever, weakness, appetite loss, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia.
• No travel history to endemic areas was reported.

Findings:

• Bone marrow examination confirmed the presence of Leishmania Donovan amastigotes.
• Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provided definitive diagnosis.
• Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B resulted in clinical improvement.

Implications:

• This case suggests a potential geographic expansion of Visceral Leishmaniasis into non-endemic areas of India.
• Physicians in non-endemic regions should consider VL in the differential diagnosis for patients with fever, pancytopenia, and hepatosplenomegaly.
• Increased vigilance is crucial for early detection and management of VL in evolving epidemiological landscapes.