Visceral leishmaniasis in a patient diagnosed with HIV/AIDS: The first case in Turkey

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an opportunistic infectious disease in people living with HIV. We report VL’s diagnosis and treatment process in a patient admitted to the hospital due to high fever during the first week of antiretroviral therapy. Leishmania indirect fluorescent antibody test titers were positive, and amastigotes were observed in the biopsy specimen. The patient’s condition improved following liposomal amphotericin B (LA-B) treatment. VL is endemic in Türkiye, and there is also an increase in HIV-positive cases. VL should be included in the differential diagnosis in HIV-positive cases alongside other opportunistic infections. © 2024, DOC Design and Informatics Co. Ltd.. All rights reserved.