Case report: effect of antileishmanial treatment on hepatitis C viraemia in a visceral leishmaniasis patient with chronic hepatitis C

Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg. 2003 Sep-Oct;97(5):559-60. doi: 10.1016/s0035-9203(03)80028-7.

Abstract

We describe a case of Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in a patient with pre-existing chronic hepatitis C, which caused high hepatitis C virus (HCV) plasma concentration and was followed by a rapidly growing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The high HCV load was drastically and persistently reduced soon after treatment with liposomal amphotericin B suggesting a cause-effect interaction. Some data suggest that liposomal amphotericin B may have an immunomodulatory effect. VL may directly affect the liver function, but HCC has never been reported as a consequence of the disease. This case suggests that VL causes an increase in HCV replication, but, although the growth of the HCC can be defined as exceptional, a relationship with VL is not proven.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Amphotericin B / therapeutic use*
  • Antiprotozoal Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / virology*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / complications
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / drug therapy*
  • Liposomes
  • Liver Neoplasms / virology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Viral Load
  • Viremia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antiprotozoal Agents
  • Liposomes
  • Amphotericin B