Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
10:31
Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
Published on: October 25, 2018
First Infant Desensitization to Liposomal Amphotericin B
Maryam Rostamyan1, Shirin Chinehkesh2, Mahmoud Khodabandeh3
1Department of Infectious Diseases (MR), Hakim Children's Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Summary
A 7-month-old infant with visceral leishmaniasis experienced anaphylaxis to liposomal amphotericin B. A desensitization protocol enabled safe treatment completion, marking the first successful use in an infant under one year.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is treated with liposomal amphotericin B (LAB).
- Anaphylaxis to LAB presents a significant challenge in VL management.
- Desensitization protocols offer an alternative when standard treatment is not tolerated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the successful use of a liposomal amphotericin B desensitization protocol in an infant with visceral leishmaniasis and anaphylaxis.
- To demonstrate the feasibility and safety of this protocol in young children.
Main Methods:
- A 7-month-old infant diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis received liposomal amphotericin B.
- The patient developed anaphylaxis after the initial dose.
- A 14-step desensitization protocol was initiated and successfully completed.
Main Results:
- The desensitization protocol allowed for the continuation of liposomal amphotericin B therapy without further complications.
- The patient's clinical symptoms (fever, splenomegaly) resolved, and hematological parameters improved post-treatment.
- Causality assessment indicated a probable adverse drug reaction to liposomal amphotericin B.
Conclusions:
- Liposomal amphotericin B desensitization is a safe and feasible option for managing anaphylaxis in infants with visceral leishmaniasis.
- This case highlights the importance of desensitization protocols in endemic areas where VL is prevalent.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...