Visceral Leishmaniasis: An Unusual Cause of Bone Marrow Failure in Jos, Nigeria-A Case Report and Review of Literature
Published: 2022-11-23
Page: 164-170
Issue: 2022 - Volume 5 [Issue 4]
Jatau Ezra Danjuma *
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Ayuba Zakari
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Dahal Abednego Samuel
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Okeke Chinedu Nnawike
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Adeyemi Ayobola Olusegun
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Boli Elias Wada
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Bangalu Dauda Yohanna
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Ma’an Victoria Tapsuk
Department of Medical Microbiology, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Damulak Obadiah Dapus
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Egesie Ochaka Julie
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Visceral leishmaniasis is an uncommon parasitic disease in our environment. It can present with features of bone marrow failure characterized by anaemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia which can be fatal if untreated.
We present the case of a 23-year-old male, a foreign undergraduate student in a Cyprus University who presented with a 10 months history of recurrent fever, easy fatigability and abdominal enlargement. History, physical examination and investigations carried out including a bone marrow aspiration cytology led to a diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.
He was successfully managed using amphotericin B infusion and packed red blood cells transfusion.
Leishmaniasis and other common tropical diseases have overlapping symptoms and signs but with a high index of suspicion and prompt specialist intervention, fatal complications can be averted.
Keywords: Visceral, leishmaniasis, tropical disease, bone marrow failure, treatment