Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is characterized by frequent relapses in HIV-infected patients, even in those who receive secondary prophylaxis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) for secondary prophylaxis of VL in HIV-infected patients.

From January 2001 to December 2005, 17 HIV patients, with at least one previous episode of VL who received L-AMB as secondary prophylaxis for VL, were included in the study. Efficacy was measured as the proportion of patients remaining free (non-relapse) of VL at different time points. Relapses were analysed as time-to-relapse distribution and were evaluated by survival analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Twenty-one episodes of VL were diagnosed and nine relapsed. The median follow-up time was 14 (5–44) months. The probability of remaining free of relapse at 6 months was 89.7% (95% CI, 76.2–100); at 12 months, the probability was 79.1% (95% CI, 61–97.2) and at 24 and 36 months, the probability was 55.9% (95% CI, 30.5–81.3). In the non-relapsing group, patients had a significant increase in CD4 cell levels of 102 (10–174) and 126 (4–159) cells/mm³ at 12 and 24 months, respectively (P = 0.037), whereas in the relapsing group, no significant increase was observed. Prophylaxis with L-AMB was well tolerated and only three patients had a mild impairment of renal function without requiring any change in treatment.

L-AMB is well tolerated and useful for secondary prophylaxis of VL.