Comparison of conventional methods for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in children of the Center-West Region of Brazil
Braz. j. infect. dis
; 11(1): 106-109, Feb. 2007. tab
Article
em En
| LILACS
| ID: lil-454689
Biblioteca responsável:
BR1.1
ABSTRACT
In Brazil, sophisticated techniques currently employed for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis, such as polymerase chain reaction-based assays, are only available in major research centers, whereas conventional methods are still used in many areas where the disease occurs. In the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in the country's Center-West Region, visceral leishmaniasis has recently emerged in many cities, and duration of the disease, from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis, has been short. Considering that results of diagnostic tests may depend on the phase of the disease, we compared direct examination of bone marrow aspirates (BMAs), BMA culture, and serology by Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) for diagnosis in children, according to time of evolution (< 30 days or >30 days) and to spleen size (< 5 cm or > 5 cm) at admission. Duration of the illness did not interfere with test positivity direct smear examination and IFAT were positive in more than 80 percent of patients, as was culture in around 60 percent. Results of positive microscopy, however, where predominant in patients with larger spleens. Thanks to the association of traditional techniques, only a few patients had to begin a treatment trial without confirming the diagnosis. Conventional methods for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis are still indispensable in our region, and training professionals in basic techniques should be incremented. The highest sensitivity in laboratory diagnosis among the cases investigated was that obtained with a combination of BMA direct examination and IFAT, nearing 100 percent.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
LILACS
Assunto principal:
Leishmania donovani
/
Células da Medula Óssea
/
Anticorpos Antiprotozoários
/
Leishmaniose Visceral
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
Limite:
Animals
/
Humans
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Braz. j. infect. dis
Assunto da revista:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Ano de publicação:
2007
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Brasil