TOPIC:

I've recently learned about the parasite Visceral Leishmania(sis) and that it impacts the spleen, liver and bone marrow specifically, which are all organs impacted significantly by ITP.

Visceral Leishmania was discussed in the show Monsters Inside Me (Season 6, Episode 4, #50, Animal Kingdom) where the person had traveled to Spain (As I did in November 2015) and got bitten from an infected Sand Fly. He was hospitalized after 6 months with an enlarged spleen and it was removed. When they ran further tests on the spleen, they discovered the single celled parasite Visceral Leishmania(sis). After further research, this parasite replicates by being introduced from the bite of a sand fly and when it is consumed by a human's white blood cell, which is normal for eliminating foreign organisms intruding the body, it then goes to the spleen to be eliminated. There the parasite continues replicating inside the white blood cell until the white blood cell explodes, destroying the white blood cell and then also expanding the spleen in the same fashion, since there are so many exploding white blood cells inside.

From the research I did this week on learning about this parasite, a study showed patients with Visceral Leishmaniasis have very low levels of electrolytes. Hence why the electrolyte beverage Pedialyte potentially worked to increase my platelet count dramatically in a short time for me this year and one reason why my platelets increased naturally I think. After having being diagnosed with ITP in July 2016, I've been able to naturally increase my platelets twice this year 2020 by taking daily natural supplements Monolaurin (3xdaily w meals), Probiotic by Renew Life (80 billion Bacteria, Once daily), Multi-mineral supplement EMP plus by TrueHope (two pills x 2 daily w meals), as well as drink electrolyte beverage Pedialyte (Unflavored, 500mL-1L daily only for a couple consecutive days until numbers pick up). I also take Zinc (50mg) several times a week and Vitamin D3 (50K IU) & K2 (15K Mcg) once a week. They increase my platelet count and have remained up on two occasions this year when they declined.

Lastly, after I learned about Visceral Leishmaniasis this past week, I will be calling my hematologist this Monday July 13th 2020 to ask if a Leishmania(sis) Serology test was done when I was hospitalized the numerous times over the past 4 years. If not, I will be asking to take one immediately this week to get results. As for treatment if my test comes back positive, my research results shows that Miltefosine, an oral medication taken over 28 days, would help eliminate the parasite 90-95% of the time.

Has anyone had any experience with Visceral Leishmaniasis? Please comment if you have as that would be very helpful.

Wishing good health, strong platelets for everyone. God Bless.

Vancouver40, have you ever had IVIG?
As I understand, if counts rise with IVIG treatment than one definitely has low platelets because of an auto immune condition - and not because of some other condition. I think the story for steroids is similar, but not sure.

Hal what makes you understand that about IVIg?
It was IVIg in the form of a gamma globulin injection that triggered my ITP.

Melinda, as I recall it's been mentioned here on the forum a few times. First I heard of it was from someone who's child was given IVIG. Very useful in that case it would seem. Then read it in a ITP treatment guideline for children I think too. Also, the subject came up during discussions on why one would get bone marrow biopsy - as IVIG response can be used as differential diagnoses like a biopsy can for ITP and bone marrow cancer.

For a steroid response being indicative of ITP, I've only heard that once. I guess it surprised me when I heard it. One of the doctors at the PDSA conference last year implied that it was so during a discussion. So evidence is thin with that one.

Don't know what to say about subcutaneous IgG triggering ITP. Since IgG is a blood product, do you suppose inadequate testing of the source donors might have occurred?