Avaliação da prevalência de infecção por Leishmania infantum em pacientes submetidos a Transplante de Células Tronco Hematopoiéticas

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) procedures are increasing in endemic areas for human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Brazil and elsewhere. In addition, the number of VL cases is increasing in immunosuppressed individuals and these cases tend to present a higher case-fatality rate. We reviewed the registry of HSCT subjects in a highly VL endemic area in Northeast Brazil and performed a cross sectional study to determine their rate of Leishmania infantum infection. Among the 337 subjects transplanted in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, between 2009 and 2016, there were no prior VL cases associated with the transplant. We studied 73 (21.6%) individuals who were over 2 years after HSCT. Twelve of 73 (16.4%) had positive antiLeishmania antibodies and 11 of 66 (16.6%) tested positive when using Leishmania qPCR assay. After a median follow up of 16 months, none progressed to VL and they became anti-Leishmania antibody negative. We conclude that transplanted subjects residing in VL endemic areas can frequently become infected with Leishmania. Although none progressed to active disease, it would be wise to follow up those individuals since there is a possibility of Leishmania persistence and eventual risk of VL due to the post-transplant management therapy.