HIV-1 infection, visceral leishmaniasis, Koch's chest and tuberculous meningitis in the same patient — a case report

Pharmacotherapeutic Options for Visceral Leishmaniasis—Current Scenario

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or Kala-azar is a protozoal disease, which was previously regarded as one of the most neglected tropical diseases. Management of this disease is quite difficult, because it is said to affect the poorest of the poor. Previously Sodium Stibogluconate (SSG) was regarded as the gold standard treatment for VL. But due to the increasing unresponsiveness, to this drug various other drugs were tried and are still being tried. Pentamidine is very toxic and has been discarded of late. Amphotericin B and its lipid formulations are very effective but require hospital admission and monitoring. Oral drugs like Miltefosine have already been launched. An amino glycoside Paromomycin and another oral drug Sitamaquine are in the pipe line. Interferon gamma has been used with discouraging results.

HIV, visceral leishmaniasis and Parkinsonism combined with diabetes mellitus and hyperuricaemia: A case report

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis is caused by a protozoan parasite, Leishmania donovani and transmitted by the bite of female sandflies. India is endemic for this disease. On the other hand, India contributes to the largest number of cases of HIV as well.

Case presentation

We hereby report an unusual case presentation of Visceral leishmaniasis/HIV co-infection with additional features of Parkinsonism and hyperuriciemia in an Indian male patient aged about 50 years.

Conclusion

The increasing incidence of HIV/VL co-infection in India is of utmost importance. The diagnostic and management aspects of these cases are very difficult to handle particularly in an underdeveloped country like India.