Visceral leishmanasis diagnosis for smear of peripheral blood. A case report from Cojedes, Venezuela

Abstract

In Venezuela, known to exist Visceral leishmaniasis since 1941, and since 1990 are reported on average 50 cases per year, separate sources located in central, west south and east of country. The incidence of visceral Leishmaniasis in Venezuela Cojedes state is low, being reported only three cases in the decade 1998 to 2007. In this article, we reported the first case of visceral leishmaniasis in adult in this state, diagnosed by demonstration of the parasite by peripheral blood smear. Is highlighted, having the possibility of diagnosis from peripheral blood, as an alternative and less invasive in the acute phase, particularly in regions where there are no other screening tools.