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Diagnostic considerations about visceral leishmaniasis. Two case report.
Maria Bruna Pasticci1, Rita Papili, Francesco Menichetti
1Dipartimento Medicina Sperimentale e Scienze Biochimiche, Sezione Clinica di Malattie Infettive, Universita degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia.
Le Infezioni in Medicina
|April 22, 2003
Summary
Diagnosing visceral leishmaniasis (VL) can be challenging due to false negatives in microscopy. Immuno Fluorescent Assay (IFA) aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment of VL in immunocompetent patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious parasitic disease.
- Diagnosis can be complicated by limitations in traditional methods.
Observation:
- Two immunocompetent patients in a leishmaniasis-endemic area presented with VL.
- Initial microscopic examinations yielded false-negative results, delaying definitive diagnosis.
Findings:
- Anti-Leishmania antibodies were detected in both patients.
- Immuno Fluorescent Assay (IFA) proved effective in confirming the diagnosis.
- Successful treatment was achieved using liposomal amphotericin B.
Implications:
- Microscopy for VL diagnosis may produce false negatives, especially in labs lacking expertise.
- IFA is a valuable tool for accurate VL diagnosis and guiding therapy.
- Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing VL.