INFANTILE VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS IN THE D EPARTMENT OF ALPES-MARITIMES FROM 1985 TO 1992

Here, we present an analysis of clinical and biological data from 15 i nfantile visceral leishmaniasis recorded between 1985 and 1992 in the French department of Alpes-Maritimes. The association of fever, spleno megalia, tricytopenia remains the most constant and predictive of diag nosis (90 % of cases). Bone marrow smear affirms diagnosis in 93 % of cases. Leishmania infantum MON-1 is the causative agent. Except for on e case of advanced stade with severe hepatic lesions and one case of c linical resistance to Glucantime(R), prognosis is favourable under tre atment with antimony derivatives. The long term results for children c onsidered cured after initial treatment is satisfactory. In the depart ment, the number of cases of combined ages has increased regularly sin ce 1985. The number of infantile forms has increased but now represent s nevertheless no more than 28 % of total cases. On the other hand, ca ses are increasing in adults and 40 % of those adult cases are in HIV positive patients.