Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: : Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bites of infected female sandflies. Due to its nonspecific clinical presentation, VL is prone to misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis. Though rare, VL is endemic in regions of Africa, South America, Asia, and parts of Europe, including the Mediterranean. This report describes a case of VL initially misdiagnosed as brucellosis due to a history of close contact with sheep. The patient tested negative for brucellosis via serum agglutination, blood culture, and bone marrow smear, and showed no improvement with a combination of omadacycline and rifampin therapy. Definitive diagnosis was achieved through metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and confirmation with the rk39 antigen test. The patient was successfully treated with amphotericin B cholesterol sulfate complex and recovered fully. This case highlights the need to consider rare pathogens when epidemiological history and clinical response to treatment are incongruent and emphasizes the value of mNGS in timely diagnosis of VL. Keywords: visceral leishmaniasis, metagenomic next-generation sequencing, brucellosis, fever, splenomegaly
Source: Infection and Drug Resistance
Authors: Jianping Xu, Yaqing Li, Xiaoqing Wang, Yusen Mu
Institutions: Hebei General Hospital, Hebei North University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,836
OpenAlex ID: W4410708086