High visceral leishmaniasis mortality rate in Barra Mansa, a new area of visceral leishmaniasis transmission in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Introduction Nine cases of visceral leishmaniasis occurred recently in Barra Mansa, State of Rio de Janeiro, with a high mortality rate. Methods We reviewed the medical records of the patients. Results Eight were male; 7 were adults. Patients who died progressed to death quickly and presented with a...

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Published inRevista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical Vol. 47; no. 4; p. 521
Main Authors Maria, Inês Fernandes Pimentel, Elisabeth, Larcher Maximiano Alves, Maria, Hercília Fiuza Farias, Silva, da, Patrícia, Gazenmüller Moza, Paula, Maria Pereira de Almeida, Cristiane, Silveira Cunha, Cíntia, Xavier despaceMello, Armando, despaceOliveira Schubach
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Rio de Janeiro Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical 01.07.2014
Subjects
Disease transmission
Drug resistance
Insects
Mortality
Parasitic protozoa
Vector-borne diseases
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Summary:Introduction Nine cases of visceral leishmaniasis occurred recently in Barra Mansa, State of Rio de Janeiro, with a high mortality rate. Methods We reviewed the medical records of the patients. Results Eight were male; 7 were adults. Patients who died progressed to death quickly and presented with aggravating factors: systemic steroid therapy before diagnosis, bleeding, severe liver involvement, infection, and/or refusal to receive transfusion. Conclusions We warn clinicians to be aware of the emergence of visceral leishmaniasis in new areas and to keep in mind the possibility of atypical clinical pictures and aggravating factors, so timely diagnosis can be made and prompt and adequate treatment can be initiated.
ISSN:0037-8682
1678-9849
DOI:10.1590/0037-8682-0213-201