Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, which affects thousands of people worldwide. Disease severity depends on the species of Leishmania and the host immune response, with a fatality rate of 90% when untreated. The causes of acute kidney injury (AKI) in VL are associated with the use of amphotericin B, secondary infections, hemodynamic abnormalities, and systemic inflammation. The main kidney alterations are associated with interstitial nephritis and glomerular alterations. Glomerular injury in VL is characterized as mesangial proliferative lesions or deposition of immune complexes, which can lead to rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. Risk factors for AKI include hypokalemia, leukopenia, and amphotericin B use. The mechanisms of kidney injury caused by Leishmania infection are not fully understood.