Rapid Non-Invasive Diagnosis of Kala-azar
Background: Kala-azar is endemic throughout central and eastern terai region of Nepal bordering the Indian state of Bihar. Lack of knowledge, unavailable simple and reliable diagnostic test and poverty-all contribute to late diagnosis and institution of an effective chemotherapy; thereby maintaining...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Technical Report |
| Language: | en_US |
| Published: |
2016
|
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://103.69.126.140:8080/handle/123456789/71 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Background:
Kala-azar is endemic throughout central and eastern terai region of Nepal bordering the Indian state of Bihar. Lack of knowledge, unavailable simple and reliable diagnostic test and poverty-all contribute to late diagnosis and institution of an effective chemotherapy; thereby maintaining the potential human reservoir at high level in the community. Since invasive diagnostic method is an unacceptable test of choice in the endemic region, an alternative technique is a dire necessity. The present study evaluated recombinant K-39 Leishmania test with splenic aspirate in hospitalized Kala-azar patients.
Methods:
This was a retrospective review of hospital case record of Kala-azar patients admitted during the months of Poush- Chaitra 2057. All hospital case notes of the 4 months with the diagnosis of Kala-azar were screened. Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku was taken as the study area.
Results:
The rK-39 Leishmania dipstick achieved a high sensitivity (96%) and high positive value (95%). The dipstick is a simple, reliable and a robust technique.
Conclusions:
The rK-39 Leishmania dipstick is an acceptable test of choice in the diagnosis of Kala-azar and may be of great utility especially in the endemic districts where invasive methods are neither applicable nor appropriate.
Keywords: endemic; Kala-azar; positive predictive value; rK-39 Leishmania dipstick; sensitivity. |
|---|