LAUSR

Editor, Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is characterized by an unremitting activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes and macrophages that engulf erythrocytes, leucocytes, platelets, and their precursor cells. HLH is a distinct clinical entity characterized by fever, pancytopenia, splenomegaly, and hemophagocytosis in bone marrow, liver, or lymph nodes and is associated with high mortality rates. HLH may be familial or secondary to a variety of infections, collagen vascular disease, or malignancies. Although HLH is now being increasingly detected in clinical practice due to improved understanding on the part of physicians, pathologists, and microbiologists, much work remains to raise awareness, explore treatment options, and improve outcome of this complex condition. We report two cases of HLH secondary to a common tropical infection.