RELAPSING VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN HIV INFECTED PATIENT WITH PERSISTENT LOW TCD4 COUNT: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-infected patients is marked by a high mortality rate and its frequent relapses. It is characterized by the involvement of organs that are not usually affected in non-immunocompromised patients. We report a case of relapsing visceral leishmaniasis in an HIV-infected patient. HIV infection was discovered simultaneously as the first episode of visceral leishmaniasis. Even after recovery of visceral leishmaniasis and effective antiretroviral treatment with a negative viral load during three years, the TCD4 count remained low, contributing to visceral leishmaniasis relapse. The clinical presentation of the relapse was more severe and atypical, with renal and respiratory involvement leading to his death. Through this case and a literature review, we will discuss the relation between TCD4 count and visceral leishmaniasis in this coinfection.