Keratitis After Post-Kala-Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis

Abstract

Purpose: To report 2 cases of keratitis occurring after post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) in immunocompetent patients.

Methods: Case report and literature review.

Results: Two male patients presented with a dense stromal infiltrate in the temporal and superior aspects of the cornea, respectively. Microbiological workup in both patients did not show any offending organism. Both patients were undergoing treatment for PKDL in the form of oral miltefosine. After careful deliberation, topical prednisolone was started under antibiotic cover for both patients with close follow-up. There was a dramatic improvement with resolution of the infiltrate and a good visual outcome.

Conclusions: We present the first reported cases of keratitis after PKDL, which responded to topical corticosteroid therapy. The treating clinician must be made aware of such a presentation of leishmaniasis especially in endemic areas.