Visceral leishmaniasis emerging as an important opportunistic infection in HIV-infected persons living in areas nonendemic for Leishmania donovani.

Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is an important opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and it must be ruled out in every patient with fever and/or pancytopenia and an appropriate travel history. Because serological diagnosis is often insufficient, pathologists must be aware of the association between human immunodeficiency virus infection and leishmaniasis. Diagnosis depends on detection of the parasite in submitted specimens.