Cutaneous leishmaniasis and preeclampsia with signs of severity in pregnancy: case report and possible causality

We present the case of a primigravid adolescent from the Colombian Chocó biogeographic region, diagnosed with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis and preeclampsia with features of severity as an obstetric complication. Despite medical management, an emergency cesarean section was required due to refractory hypertension. The preterm newborn had a favorable clinical course, and the mother was treated with liposomal amphotericin B with good tolerance. This case highlights a potential pathophysiological interaction between Leishmania infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, likely mediated by endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Given the limited available evidence, this report contributes to the understanding of infectious complications in pregnant women. It underscores the need for close clinical monitoring and timely multidisciplinary management in complex obstetric scenarios such as this one.