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Visceral leishmaniasis with cutaneous involvement caused by Leishmania infantum-chagasi
Mohammed Raja1, Jose Armando Gonzales Zamora1
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami 33136, FL, USA.
Insights
A 66-year-old woman with skin nodules was diagnosed with Leishmania infantum-chagasi infection. Treatment with amphotericin B successfully cleared the skin lesions and other symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Cutaneous leishmaniasis presents with skin lesions.
- Leishmania infantum-chagasi is a protozoan parasite.
- Disseminated leishmaniasis can affect multiple organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of disseminated leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum-chagasi.
- To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this rare presentation.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation of nodular skin lesions.
- Biopsy and PCR for parasite identification.
- Imaging for systemic involvement (hepatomegaly, pulmonary nodules).
- Treatment with amphotericin B.
Main Results:
- Biopsy confirmed amastigotes identified as Leishmania infantum-chagasi via PCR.
- Patient exhibited hepatomegaly and pulmonary nodules.
- Complete resolution of skin lesions and systemic symptoms after amphotericin B treatment.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania infantum-chagasi can cause disseminated disease with cutaneous, hepatic, and pulmonary manifestations.
- PCR is a valuable tool for diagnosing leishmaniasis.
- Amphotericin B is an effective treatment for disseminated leishmaniasis.
Abstract:
We report the case of a 66 year-old woman who presented nodular skin lesions on her back and upper extremities. Biopsy revealed amastigotes that were identified as Leishmania infantum-chagasi by PCR. Evaluation also showed hepatomegaly and pulmonary nodules. Treatment with amphotericin B led to complete resolution of skin lesions.
