HIV and Visceral Leishmaniasis Coinfection in Bihar, India: An Underrecognized and Underdiagnosed Threat Against Elimination

Abstract

Although human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and visceral leishmaniasis coinfection is recognized as a major public health challenge in Africa, data regarding the prevalence in India are very limited. Consecutive HIV screening of 2077 patients aged ≥14 years with confirmed visceral leishmaniasis in Bihar, eastern India, found that 5.6% were HIV positive, including 2.4% with newly diagnosed HIV infection.