Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis as a Manifestation of Underlying Visceral Leishmaniasis

Pathological roles of macrophages in Leishmania infections

Macrophages are the major host cells for Leishmania parasites, and determine the fate of infection by either limiting or allowing growth of the parasites, resulting in development or control of leishmaniasis, respectively. They also play important roles in causing pathological outcomes during Leishmania infection. The pathophysiology is complex and include a wide variety of molecular and cellular responses including enhancement of inflammatory responses by releasing cytokines, causing damages to surrounding cells by reactive oxygen species, or disordered phagocytosis of other cells. It is of note that disease severity in leishmaniasis sometimes does not correlate with parasite burdens, indicating that pathological roles of macrophages are not necessarily linked to their parasite-killing activities that are often defined by M1/M2 status. Here, we review the roles of macrophages in leishmaniasis with a focus on their pathological mechanisms in disease development.

The Treatment Based on Ruxolitinib and Amphotericin B is Effective for Relapsed Leishmaniasis-Related Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is known as a life-threatening syndrome, and Leishmania is the most common protozoan that triggers infection-related HLH. It is thus important to find the root cause and treat it effectively.

CASE REPORT

This paper reports a 44-year-old man who developed antisynthetase antibody syndrome previously. The patient progressed rapidly to the extent of meeting the HLH-2004 diagnostic criteria, despite the unknown etiology. Although the patient was promptly treated in line with the HLH-1994 protocol to achieve remission, he still relapsed after glucocorticoid reduction. Afterwards, it was found out that HLH was secondary to Leishmania infection. The symptoms of HLH were alleviated quickly by the treatment with Ruxolitinib and Amphotericin B.

CONCLUSION

Etiological screening plays a crucial role in leishmaniasis-related HLH. An experienced pathologist and real-time PCR are essential for treating Leishmania. The treatment of Ruxolitinib and Amphotericin B proved effective in alleviating the relapse of visceral leishmaniasis-related HLH.

Next-generation sequencing technology for diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of a patient with visceral leishmaniasis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania and transmitted by infected sand flies. VL has a low incidence in China, and its clinical presentation is complex and atypical. This disease is easily misdiagnosed and can become life-threatening within a short period of time. Therefore, early, rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of the disease are essential.

CASE SUMMARY

A 25-year-old male patient presented with the clinical manifestations of irregular fever, hepatosplenomegaly, increased polyclonal globulin, and pancytopenia. The first bone marrow puncture biopsy did not provide a clear diagnosis. In order to relieve the pressure and discomfort of the organs caused by the enlarged spleen and to confirm the diagnosis, splenectomy was performed, and hemophagocytic syndrome was diagnosed by pathological examination of the spleen biopsy. Following bone marrow and spleen pathological re-diagnosis and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology detection, the patient was finally diagnosed with VL. After treatment with liposomal amphotericin B, the body temperature quickly returned to normal and the hemocytes recovered gradually. Post-treatment re-examination of the bone marrow puncture and mNGS data showed that Leishmania was not detected.

CONCLUSION

As a fast and accurate detection method, mNGS can diagnose and evaluate the efficacy of treatment in suspicious cases of leishmaniasis.

Case Report: Visceral Leishmaniasis and Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis: Three Clinical Cases, Three Different Pattern

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease with more than 30,000 cases annually reported worldwide. In Brazil, about 3,700 cases are annually reported. The VL clinical presentation is variable, from asymptomatic to severe cases with a high risk of death. We reported three cases of VL with clinical sign similarities but distinct development. All cases had bone marrow hemophagocytosis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) criteria. HLH is a rare condition that may have secondary causes, including infectious and parasitic diseases, like VL. The delayed recognition of the secondary HLH (sHLH) association to VL may cause unfavorable outcomes and death.