[Visceral leishmaniasis and malnutrition: a case report].
BACKGROUND
Visceral leishmaniasis occurring in malnourished subjects can have an uncommon course, which explains difficulties in its diagnosis.


METHODS
A 22-month-old infant was admitted because of malnutrition and prolonged fever. The bacteriological investigation was negative. When his nutritional status improved, he developed a splenomegaly. The medullogram confirmed the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. The course was then favorable with treatment by pentavalent antimonial.


CONCLUSIONS
Malnutrition constitutes a risk factor of opportunist parasitic disease such as leishmaniasis. Its diagnosis can be very difficult.
Hida
M
M
Clinique pédiatrique 3, hôpital d'Enfants, Rabat, Maroc.
Mouane
N
N
Ettair
S
S
Erreimi
N
N
Malihy
A
A
Agoumi
A
A
Bouchta
F
F
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007228:Infant Nutrition Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors