# Diagnostic Challenges in Visceral Leishmaniasis in a 17‐Month‐Old Female: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A young child with persistent fever and spleen enlargement was diagnosed with a rare tropical disease after antibiotic treatments failed.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges and successful treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in a non-endemic area.

## Key findings

- The patient was diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis via bone marrow aspirate after antibiotic failure.
- Meglumine antimoniate successfully treated the confirmed case of visceral leishmaniasis.
- The case underscores the importance of considering VL in patients with persistent fever and splenomegaly.

## Abstract

Visceral leishmaniasis is an uncommon infectious disease. In this report, we present a case of VL in a 17‐month‐old child who presented with a fever and splenomegaly. After the patient failed to respond to several courses of antibiotics, a bone marrow aspirate confirmed the definitive diagnosis of VL, which was successfully treated with meglumine antimoniate. We emphasize the need to consider VL in any patient with persistent fever and splenomegaly, even if they come from a non‐endemic area.