Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-infected individuals using peripheral blood smears

• Published in: AIDS (London) Vol. 7; no. 2; p. 227
• Main Authors: Martínez, P, de la Vega, E, Laguna, F, Soriano, V, Puente, S, Moreno, V, Sentchordi, M J, García-Aguado, C, González-Lahoz, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.02.1993
• Subjects: Adult; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections - diagnosis; AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections - parasitology; Animals; Female; HIV Infections - complications; Humans; Leishmania donovani - isolation & purification; Leishmaniasis, Visceral - complications; Leishmaniasis, Visceral - diagnosis; Leishmaniasis, Visceral - parasitology; Leukocytes - parasitology; Male; Middle Aged
• ISSN: 0269-9370
• DOI: 10.1097/00002030-199302000-00011

To compare the clinical and laboratory features of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) in HIV-infected and non-infected subjects, and to determine the presence of Leishmania amastigotes in circulating leukocytes using peripheral blood smears. Twenty-eight HIV-infected and six HIV-negative adult patients diagnosed as having kala-azar presenting at one institution over a 7-year period. Retrospective review of clinical charts and re-examination of peripheral blood smears. There were no significant differences in the clinical presentation and laboratory features of HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. However, Leishmania amastigotes were observed in circulating leukocytes in eight out of the 17 available peripheral blood smears (15 from HIV-infected patients). All eight individuals presenting with Leishmania in peripheral blood leukocytes were HIV-positive. Direct visualization of Leishmania amastigotes in leukocytes on peripheral blood smears enabled the diagnosis of kala-azar in a high proportion [eight out of 15 (53%)] of our HIV-infected patients.