Premium
Chagas’ disease reactivation with skin symptoms in a patient with kidney transplant
Author(s) -
Gallerano Verónica,
Consigli Javier,
Pereyra Susana,
Gómez Zanni Susana,
Danielo Cristian,
Gallerano Rafael H.,
Guidi Andrés
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03127.x
Subject(s) - benznidazole , medicine , chagas disease , trypanosoma cruzi , parasitemia , serology , abdomen , xenodiagnosis , kidney disease , surgery , pathology , dermatology , immunology , malaria , antibody , parasite hosting , plasmodium falciparum , world wide web , computer science
Abstract Immunodepressed patients in the intermediate phase of Chagas’ disease may undergo reactivation of the disease together with atypical symptoms. The case of an immunodepressed kidney transplant patient with reactivation of Chagas’ disease with skin symptoms is reported. A 65‐year‐old man presented with infiltrated erythematous lesions on the anterior aspect of the right thigh of 2 weeks’ duration. The lesions later extended to the abdomen, thorax, and lower limbs. In the histologic skin examination, amastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi trypoamastigotes were observed. A fresh smear showed positive parasitemia. Using the Strout hemoconcentration method, multiple Trypanosoma cruzi trypoamastigotes with motility could be seen. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for Trypanosoma cruzi . An immunofluorescence test was positive (1 : 64) and there was hemoagglutination (1 : 32). Treatment was started with benznidazole, 7 mg/kg/day. The patient did not evolve favorably and died 20 days after hospitalization. Skin lesions may be a manifestation of the reactivation of Chagas’ disease in immunosuppressed patients. All patients with positive Chagas’ serology who require immunosuppressant drugs should receive specific treatment for Chagas’ disease.