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Transfusion‐transmitted visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in an immunocompromised patient: a case report
Author(s) -
Mestra Laureano,
Lopez Liliana,
Robledo Sara M.,
Muskus Carlos E.,
Nicholls Rubén S.,
Vélez Iván Darío
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1111/j.1537-2995.2011.03092.x
Subject(s) - leishmaniasis , visceral leishmaniasis , leishmania , cutaneous leishmaniasis , medicine , leishmania mexicana , immunology , virology , kinetoplastida , amastigote , parasite hosting , biology , protozoal disease , malaria , world wide web , computer science
BACKGROUND: Transfusion‐transmitted leishmaniasis is an increasing problem in areas where visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases are endemic. CASE REPORT: This article reports a case of transfusion‐transmitted fatal visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana in a 42‐year‐old male resident of northwestern Colombia who after developing a terminal renal failure due to lupus nephritis received a renal transplant and multiple transfusions. RESULTS: Multiple intracellular Leishmania amastigotes were demonstrated in both renal biopsy and marrow aspirates. Cultures of the parasite were obtained in NNN medium and the identification of the species was done both by direct immunofluorescence and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of a VL case produced by L. (L.) mexicana in Colombia, which usually is a dermotropic species. Our report suggests that although leishmaniasis is transmitted by the bite of phlebotomine sand flies, Leishmania parasite may be transmitted by blood transfusion, complicating the clinical course of organ transplant and being fatal.