Asymptomatic Leishmania infantum, when associated with HIV, can become severe and potentially fatal. In this co-infection, the worst prognosis may be influenced by the host’s immunological aspects, which are crucial in determining susceptibility. Chemokines play an important role in this process by influencing the cellular composition at affected sites and impacting the disease’s outcome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate proinflammatory chemokines in HIV patients with the asymptomatic L. infantum infection. In this cross-sectional study, the levels of CCL2, CCL5, CXCL8, MIG, and IP-10 were measured in 160 serum samples from co-infected patients (n = 53), patients with HIV (n = 90), and negative controls (n = 17). Quantification was determined by flow cytometry. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by the Dunn’s post-test and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Significance was set at p < 0.05. The chemokines CCL2, CCL5, MIG, and IP-10 exhibited higher levels in the HIV group compared to co-infection. However, the elevated levels of all these chemokines and their increased connectivity in co-infected patients appear to be important in identifying proinflammatory immune responses associated with the asymptomatic condition. Furthermore, a weak negative correlation was observed between higher levels of CXCL8 and lower viral loads in co-infected patients.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a neglected tropical disease that is potentially fatal when untreated. Current diagnostic methods have limitations that contribute to ongoing transmission and poor prognosis. Thus, new tests are needed to provide quick, accurate diagnoses and evaluate clinical progression and treatment efficacy. The monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) and interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) has been associated with the host susceptibility to VL with potential diagnostic and prognostic purposes. We performed a systematic review using four search databases (Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE) to identify studies assessing MIG and IP-10 as potential biomarkers in patients with VL across various clinical conditions. A total of 13 studies were potentially eligible and included in this review. The articles, in general, reveal that the chemokines MIG and IP-10 are elevated in response to infection by Leishmania spp., acting on the host’s resistance to the development of the disease. They are associated with asymptomatic conditions and after VL treatment, and this relationship can be observed in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Consequently, these chemokines hold relevance in the diagnoses and appropriate management of individuals with VL.