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Visceral leishmaniasis diagnosed by colonoscopy
J J Sebastián1, S García, M T Soria
1Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|February 6, 1998
Summary
Visceral leishmaniasis, a zoonotic disease common in Spain, frequently co-occurs with human immunodeficiency virus. This case highlights colonic leishmaniasis in an HIV-positive individual, suggesting opportunistic behavior by Leishmania.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is prevalent in western Mediterranean regions, particularly Spain.
- A significant association between visceral leishmaniasis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection is well-established in endemic areas.
- The opportunistic nature of Leishmania parasites in immunocompromised hosts is increasingly recognized.
Observation:
- This report details a case of colonic leishmaniasis in a 23-year-old Spanish woman.
- The patient was coinfected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- The presentation involved the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates an unusual manifestation of leishmaniasis in the colon.
- It underscores the potential for Leishmania to cause visceral disease in individuals with HIV.
- The findings support the hypothesis of Leishmania acting as an opportunistic pathogen.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of visceral leishmaniasis clinical presentations in HIV-coinfected patients.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal symptoms in immunocompromised individuals in endemic regions.
- Further research into the opportunistic behavior of Leishmania in the context of HIV is warranted.