What symptom complex is associated with visceral leishmaniasis in a patient with recent travel to Brazil?

Visceral leishmaniasis, also known as Kala-azar, is predominantly caused by the parasites Leishmania donovani and Leishmania infantum, which are transmitted through the bites of infected sandflies. This disease is particularly prevalent in certain regions, including parts of Brazil.

The hallmark symptom complex associated with visceral leishmaniasis includes high fever and hepatosplenomegaly. The high fever can be persistent and unresponsive to typical antipyretic treatment, while hepatosplenomegaly results from the proliferation of the parasites within the reticuloendothelial system, leading to swelling of the liver and spleen. These symptoms are often accompanied by other systemic signs like anemia, weight loss, and weakness.

This symptom combination aligns closely with the disease's pathophysiology, where the body's immune response to the infection results in these significant manifestations. The corresponding travel history to Brazil further contextualizes the risk of exposure to the disease in endemic areas, making this option the most relevant and directly associated with visceral leishmaniasis.