[Syndrome of activation of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Initial manifestation of visceral leishmaniasis].

We report a case of mononuclear phagocyte system activation observed in a 12 month-old girl presenting with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia, histiocytic hyperplasia with hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow, high triglyceride and low fibrinogen blood levels. This syndrome was associated with visceral leishmaniasis. We conclude that systemic leishmaniasis is a curable cause of disorders characterized by an activation of the mononuclear phagocyte system.