LIPOSOMAL AMPHOTERICIN-B (AMBISOME) IN MEDITERRANEAN VISCERAL LEISHMANIASIS - A MULTICENTER TRIAL

Thirty-one patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishma nia infantum received liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) in a multi-c entre study. Ten immunocompetent patients (six children) received 1-1. 38 mg/kg/day for 21 days, and ten (nine children) received 3 mg/kg/day for 10 days. All were cured without significant adverse events and wi thout relapse during 12-24 months of followup. Eleven immunocompromise d adults, including seven co-infected with HIV (four with AIDS) receiv ed 100 mg (1.38-1.85 mg/kg) daily for 21 days. All were initially cons idered cured, but eight relapsed clinically and parasitologically at 3 -22 months. Liposomal amphotericin B is a new, safe and effective drug for the treatment of VL.