Liposomal amphotericin B to treat visceral leishmaniasis

A review on the current evidence of the efficacy and security of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AmB) for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been performed. In the Indian subcontinent, a single dose of 10 mg/kg has shown effectiveness in the treatment of VL due to Leishmania donovani. In contrast, higher doses of L-AmB (up to 30 mg/kg) are required in Africa to treat a VL of the same etiology. When treating VL by Leishmania infantum acquired in the Americas and Europe the usual dose of L-AmB is 20-21 mg/kg. In HIV co-infected patients the required doses are usually higher, up to 60 mg/kg, and if it is administered in a prophylactic schedule after the treatment of VL relapses are reduced. L-AmB has shown synergism with other antiparasitic drugs, especially with paromomycin in the Indian subcontinent and with miltefosin in patients coinfected with HIV in East Africa. Due to its efficacy and safety profile, L-AmB is the first therapeutic option for VL. (C) 2021 Asociacion Espanola de Micologia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.