Sodium stibogluconate as first-line treatment for post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis

Abstract

An 18 year-old-girl, a resident of Buxar District of Bihar State, India, presented with hypopigmented rash on face of six months duration. Superficial sensations were intact. There was history of being treated for prolonged fever two years ago, for about three weeks. Based on history, clinical and microscopic examination, she was diagnosed to have post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. Treatment with parenteral sodium stibogluconate was initiated, to which she responded satisfactorily. This case highlights the classical lesions of Indian type of PKDL and reiterates the fact that sodium stibogluconate should still be considered first line therapy as it is a cheap, yet efficacious drug.