Serological and parasitological examination of some patients with manifestations suggestive leishmaniasis

The present study was designed to search for visceral leishmaniasis (VL.) in adult population in the Nile Delta. For this purpose: Fifty patients with splenomegaly and/or hepatosplenomegaly were chosen upon clinical grounds with special consideration of clinical manifestations suggestive of the disease. Both indirect haemagglutination test (IHAT) and dot-Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (dot-ELISA), were positive for VL. antibodies in 3% of the patients. Bone marrow examination (smear and culture) revealed negative results in all patients who gave serological reactions. The results were discussed.