Visceral leishmaniasis and renal tuberculosis in a patient on maintenance haemodialysis.

Infection in patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis therapy remains a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Alterations in immune response induced by the uraemic state increase the susceptibility to infection and appear to play an important role in determining the type, incidence and outcome of these infectious complications. In this setting, opportunistic infection depends upon the epidemiological exposure of the patients and the state of immunosuppression. We report on a case of visceral leishmaniasis associated with renal tuberculosis in a patient living in an endemic country who had been treated with haemodialysis for 19 months. Both the opportunistic infections and their clinical courses are remarkable, and a review of previously reported cases is provided. Antimonial derivatives and antituberculous therapy induced a rapid and complete remission.