Leishmaniasis is quite endemic in various regions of India. Still, it sometimes becomes very difficult to recognize it clinically, and the potential therapy is often delayed in such instances!
A few months back, a 9-year-old boy presented with chronic ill-health, loss of appetite, loss of weight, severe anemia, mild thrombocytopenia and occasional fever. 
He also had hepatosplenomegaly. A routine hemogram reported dimorphic anemia with severe anisopoikilocytosis and mild thrombocytopenia. There was family history of HbC/E disease. Considering all the findings, the physician considered hemoglobin electrophoresis which showed a normal pattern. Then the physician suspected myelodysplasia and requested a bone marrow study.
The bone marrow was practically packed with L. D. bodies. Following treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, the boy recovered very soon and was doing well 3 months after diagnosis.
Learning Points/Take Home Messages
Visceral leishmaniasis is clinically versatile and needs a high degree of suspicion, especially in endemic areas!
About The Author
Dr. Samanta, MBBS, MD is currently a consultant at EKO Diagnostic PVT. LTD. Kolkata, India for histopath, cytopath and hematology. His other interests are: oncopathology, bone marrow and neuropathology.
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Quick Case: Kala-azar is Still Clinically Neglected in India
Leishmaniasis is quite endemic in various regions of India. Still, it sometimes becomes very difficult to recognize it clinically, and the potential therapy is often delayed in such instances!
A few months back, a 9-year-old boy presented with chronic ill-health, loss of appetite, loss of weight, severe anemia, mild thrombocytopenia and occasional fever.
He also had hepatosplenomegaly. A routine hemogram reported dimorphic anemia with severe anisopoikilocytosis and mild thrombocytopenia. There was family history of HbC/E disease. Considering all the findings, the physician considered hemoglobin electrophoresis which showed a normal pattern. Then the physician suspected myelodysplasia and requested a bone marrow study.
The bone marrow was practically packed with L. D. bodies. Following treatment for visceral leishmaniasis, the boy recovered very soon and was doing well 3 months after diagnosis.
Learning Points/Take Home Messages
Visceral leishmaniasis is clinically versatile and needs a high degree of suspicion, especially in endemic areas!
About The Author
Dr. Samanta, MBBS, MD is currently a consultant at EKO Diagnostic PVT. LTD. Kolkata, India for histopath, cytopath and hematology. His other interests are: oncopathology, bone marrow and neuropathology.