[Visceral leishmaniasis with suspected autoimmune disease: A report of 2 cases].

作者：Fan Sun, Maomao Chen, A. X. Huo, Wei Zhang, Zhuo Li, Lan Cheng, Yuhong Liu · 发表于：PubMed · 年份：2026 · 研究领域：Research on Leishmaniasis Studies、Eosinophilic Disorders and Syndromes、Parasites and Host Interactions

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a rare parasitic infection characterized by distinctive features, including the overproduction of various autoantibodies by B cells, which may mimic manifestations and antibody profiles associated with autoimmune diseases. In this report, we presented two patients diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis who were initially suspected of having an autoimmune disease. We discussed the similarities and differences between visceral leishmaniasis and autoimmune diseases based on clinical presentation, physical examination findings, laboratory tests, diagnosis, and treatment. Case 1 involved a 69-year-old female patient who was admitted to the hospital due to irregular fever. Physical examination revealed splenomegaly. Laboratory investigations indicated pancytopenia along with an abnormal autoantibody profile. The initial bone marrow aspirate demonstrated: Proliferative changes in the bone marrow, and abnormal lymphocytes in peripheral blood accounting for approximately 6%. Auto-immune disease was initially considered, and hormone therapy did not respond well. Further screening for immunological disorders, infections, tumors, and other related conditions was conducted. A second bone marrow aspirate was performed actively which revealed Leishman-Donovan body. Subsequent nuc-leic acid detection of pathogenic microorganisms confirmed the presence of Leishmania through real-time fluorescence PCR analysis; thus, confirming a diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasi...