Hemophagocytic syndrome associated with visceral leishmaniasis

Abstract

The present paper reports a case of 6-year-old male child, suffering from pallor, fever and hepatosplenomegaly. A clinical diagnosis of enteric fever with a second possibility of malaria was considered. Laboratory findings included bicytopenia, hyperbilirubinemia and raised liver enzymes. Bone marrow examination revealed active hemophagocytosis. On extensive search few amastigote forms of Leishmania donovani were seen. Patient was negative for other viral, bacterial and malaria infections. The final diagnosis of hemophagocytic syndrome associated with visceral leishmaniasis was made. There was response of anti-Leishmanial treatment with improvement in clinical condition.