The validity of Kala-azar rapid detection test in the laboratory diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Baquba

Abstract

Background: visceral leishmaniasis is the most severe form of leishmaniasis. The diseasecaused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. It is the second-largest parasitic killerin the world, being responsible for an estimated 500,000 cases each year worldwide.Objectives: To explore the validity of rapid detection test for the laboratory diagnosis ofvisceral leishmaniasis against the conventional blood smear technique.Patients, materials and methods: The present study was carried out at Al-Batoul TeachingHospital during the period from January to July 2009. A total of 75 patients with VL wereincluded. 28 (37.3%) of them were female and 47(62.7%) were male. The age range was 1month- 8 years. Additionally, 30 apparently healthy individuals were enrolled as controlgroups. 13(43.3%) of them were female and 17(56.7%) were male. Venous blood samplewere collected from each subject; sera were separated and kept frozen till use. All sera weretested for anti-rK39 IgG antibodies using the InBios Kala-azar detect rapid test (Seattle, WA)according to the manufacturer's protocol.Results: The results showed that out of 75 patients, 10 (13.3%) and 9 (12%) were positive forkala-azar by microscopical blood film examination and kala-azar rapid screening testrespectively. The distribution of positive cases according to the gender revaled hat theinfection rate among males was higher than in females, and the most affected age was 1-4years.Conclusion: The validity of kala-azar rapid setection test was comparable to that ofmicroscxopical examination for detection of kala-azar cases among clinically suspectedpatients.