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Review
. 2022 Aug 14;11(8):913.
doi: 10.3390/pathogens11080913.

Third Case of Visceral Leishmaniasis in COVID-19: Mini Review Article

Claudia Colomba  1   2 , Cristoforo Guccione  1 , Raffaella Rubino  3 , Michela Scalisi  2 , Anna Condemi  1   2 , Sara Bagarello  1   2 , Salvatore Giordano  2 , Antonio Cascio  1   3
Affiliations
Review

Third Case of Visceral Leishmaniasis in COVID-19: Mini Review Article

Claudia Colomba et al. Pathogens. .

Abstract

Background: In the currently ongoing coronavirus pandemic, coinfections with unrelated life-threatening febrile conditions may pose a particular challenge to clinicians. Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis that may present general symptoms, including fever, malaise, and arthralgia, rendering it indistinguishable from COVID-19.

Methods: In this paper, we aim to draw attention to this issue and analyze the clinical characteristics of the coinfection SARS-CoV-2/Leishmania through a systematic review of the literature. We were motivated by the observation of the first case of visceral leishmaniasis and COVID-19 in a paediatric patient.

Conclusion: Our case is a reminder for healthcare providers to consider the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in patients presenting with febrile syndrome in endemic regions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; coinfection; visceral leishmaniasis.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Process of bibliographic research.
Figure 2
Figure 2
COVID-19 in Europe reports of coinfections. The figure shows: daily cases of COVID-19 infections, in blue; daily death due to COVID-19, in orange; the ratio between cases and death, in green; and the three case reports of VL and COVID-19. Curves describe cases and death.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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