Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a vector-borne parasitic disease targeting tissue macrophages. It is among the most neglected infectious diseases. Classical manifestations of VL include chronic fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. Most cases can be detected through serologic and molecular testing. Although therapy has historically relied on antimonials, newer therapeutic options include conventional or liposomal amphotericin B, paromomycin and miltefosine. Coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasingly reported and comes with additional diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This article provides an up-to-date clinical review of VL focusing on clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and issues related to HIV coinfection.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Publisher Full Text

Authors

van Griensven J, Diro E

Institution

Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, Antwerp, Belgium. jvangriensven@itg.be

Source

Infectious disease clinics of North America 26:2 2012 Jun pg 309-22

MeSH

Antiprotozoal Agents
Drug Therapy, Combination
Humans
Leishmania donovani
Leishmaniasis, Visceral
Mass Screening
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Travel
World Health Organization

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22632641