Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis associated with Leishmania: A hidden passenger in endemic areas

Introduction: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an aggressive and life-threatening syndrome characterized by excessive immune activation. We analyzed the presentation, diagnosis and prognosis of our cohort of HLH-Leishmania cases. Methods: We studied HLH cases in patients over 14 years of age in the province of Granada (Spain), from January 2008 to November 2019. Results: In this study, Leishmania was the predominant trigger of adult HLH in our region. There were no differences in the clinical-analytical presentation between HLH triggered by Leishmania and those initiated by a different cause. RT-PCR was the best tool to identify Leishmania as the trigger of HLH, given that the other microbiological tests showed low sensitivity to detect the parasite in our HLH-Leishmania cases. Conclusion: A comprehensive search for Leishmania is mandatory in HLH cases. Based on our findings, we propose that RT-PCR for Leishmania in bone marrow samples must be included in HLH differential diagnostic protocols. (C) 2020 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. and Sociedad Espanola de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiologia Clinica. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study found that Leishmania is the predominant trigger of adult HLH in our region, and RT-PCR is the best tool to identify Leishmania.