[Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) and HIV infection. Apropos of a case and literature review]

Abstract

A 42 year old male Spanish patient who presented since one year a symptomatic stage IV C1,C2,D HIV infection (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, cerebral toxoplasmosis, esophageal candidiasis, Kaposi's sarcoma) became progressively asthenic with weight loss, diarrhea, fever and complained about bone pain. These symptoms could be attributed to visceral leishmaniasis. This novel opportunistic infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin in HIV+ patients coming from or having travelled in endemic areas.