Liposomal amphotericin B and leishmaniasis: dose and response.

Abstract

Liposomal amphotericin B has been used with increasing frequency to treat visceral leishmaniasis (VL). It is the treatment of choice for immunocompetent patients in the Mediterranean region and the preferred drug for HIV/VL co-infection. Although there is a regional variation in the susceptibility of the parasite a total dose of 20 mg/kg is effective in immunocompetent patients. Randomized clinical trials of liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment and secondary prophylaxis of HIV-VL coinfected patients is urgently needed to optimize treatment in this subset. With the availability of Liposomal amphotericin B at a preferential pricing in the endemic areas, short course combination therapy can become a viable alternative.

• Authors: Shyam Sundar, Jaya Chakravarty
• Journal: Journal of global infectious diseases (J Glob Infect Dis) Vol. 2 Issue 2 Pg. 159-66 (May 2010) ISSN: 0974-8245 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 20606972 (Publication Type: Journal Article)