Imported kala-azar: a case report

Abstract

A 77-year-old man returned from Honan Province, mainland China, and developed intermittent fever and loss of body weight. On physical examination there was evidence of chest infection but no lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory data suggested anemia, thrombocytopenia and polyclonal gammopathy. The diagnosis of Leishmaniasis was finally established by bone marrow aspiration which disclosed Leishman-Donovan bodies. Unfortunately, the patient expired soon after the diagnosis was made and a partial autopsy was performed. Kala-azar is a rare disease in Taiwan. However, it should be suspected in those patients who have visited the endemic areas, even though the clinical manifestations are atypical.