A Case Report of Visceral Leishmaniosis with Pancytopenia and Splenomegaly a Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

Abdirahman Moallim Ibrahim

Visceral leishmania is a neglected tropical, gradually progressing and endemic vector borne disease caused by the pro- tozoan leishmania parasite, transmitted through the bite of sandflies that usually effects poor socioeconomic populations. In this case report, we present a case of an 8 years old male hailing from rural Bakool area in the southcentral Somalia, with history of irregular high grade fever associated with rigors, generalized weakness, abdominal distension and weight loss for more than a month whose leishmania test revealed negative even with negative screen test for other infectious agents. Despite the diagnostic challenge, the patient was later successfully treated with amphotericin B as a suspected visceral leishmaniasis. This case illustrates the lack of accurate diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis in Somalia, which poses a challenge in proper diagnosis and treatment of patients effected with visceral leishmaniasis.

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