DIGESTIVE LEISHMANIASIS IN ACQUIRED-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-SYNDROME - A LIGHT AND ELECTRON-MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF 2 CASES

An increased incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is observed in areas in wh ich both infectious diseases are endemic, Intensive worldwide travelin g has also resulted recently in an increasing number of leishmanial an d HIV coinfections in nonendemic areas, We describe the clinical, ligh t microscopic, and ultrastructural features of two cases of imported, HIV-related, visceral leishmaniasis involving the alimentary tract, in cluding the esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, the ileum, the colon , and the rectum, We also discuss the differentiation of leishmanial i nfections from other HIV-related gastrointestinal opportunistic infect ions.