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Published on: July 27, 2010
Leishmania donovani infection mimicking ulcerative colitis in an immuno-competent patient
Jonas Buttenschoen1, Kirsten Utpatel2, Laura Droesch1
1Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology, and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Insights
A rare case of long latent visceral leishmaniasis mimicked ulcerative colitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment with liposomal Amphotericin B successfully eradicated the parasites.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious parasitic disease, often presenting with non-specific symptoms.
- Long latent visceral leishmaniasis can pose diagnostic challenges, especially when gastrointestinal symptoms dominate.
Observation:
- A 54-year-old immunocompetent male presented with parasitic colitis, splenomegaly, and pancytopenia.
- The patient's condition initially mimicked ulcerative colitis (UC) both histopathologically and endoscopically.
Findings:
- Parasitic identification confirmed visceral leishmaniasis, despite the absence of typical VL signs.
- Treatment with liposomal Amphotericin B led to successful parasite eradication and clinical improvement.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease-like presentations.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing severe complications.
- Raising awareness among clinicians about atypical presentations of visceral leishmaniasis can improve patient outcomes.
Abstract:
We share a case of a 54-year-old Caucasian immune-competent male with a suspected long latent visceral leishmaniasis presenting primarily with parasitic colitis, splenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Due to histopathologically and endoscopically mimicking ulcerative colitis, the patient was initially treated for UC, until the parasites were identified and eradicated with liposomal Amphotericin B.
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