AA-amyloidosis caused by visceral leishmaniasis in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2009 Aug;81(2):209-12.

Abstract

AA-amyloidosis in the setting of chronic visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been reported in animal models but documentation in humans is unavailable. Here, we report on a Portuguese man who in 1996 was diagnosed with both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infection and VL. Antiretroviral treatment led to sustained suppression of HIV viremia but CD4+ lymphocytes rose from 8 to only 160 cells/mL. Several courses of antimony treatment did not prevent VL relapses. Renal failure developed in 2006 and renal biopsy revealed AA-amyloidosis. The patient had cryoglobulinemia and serum immune complexes containing antibodies directed against seven leishmanial antigens. Antimony plus amphotericin B, followed by oral miltefosine resulted in a sustained VL treatment response with elimination of circulating Leishmania infantum DNA and CD4+ recovery. The concomitant reduction of serum AA levels and disappearance of circulating leishmanial immune complexes suggests that prolonged VL may lead to AA-amyloidosis in immunocompromised humans.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use
  • Amyloidosis / complications*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / complications*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Meglumine / therapeutic use
  • Meglumine Antimoniate
  • Organometallic Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Meglumine
  • Meglumine Antimoniate
  • Amphotericin B