[Severe visceral leishmaniasis with hepatic involvement. Diagnostic value of the immunoblotting serologic technic]

The case of a 13 year old boy with a severe form of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) mimicking portal hypertension and of unfavorable outcome is presented. The authors stress the usefulness of investigating humoral immune response by using Western Blot assay in order to confirm the diagnosis when the parasite cannot be isolated. Since VL may be responsible for death if the treatment is delayed, screening of the disease in children presenting with chronic liver disease is important in endemic area.