Noninvasive Management of Indian Visceral Leishmaniasis: Clinical Application of Diagnosis by K39 Antigen Strip Testing at a Kala-azar Referral Unit

摘要: Firm diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) requires organ aspiration and microscopic examination tissue specimens. To determine the usefulness noninvasive by strip test detection anti-K39 immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody in blood specimens obtained fingerstick, 143 Indian patients with suspected kala-azar (fever, splenomegaly, anemia) were studied. Of 120 test-positive subjects (subjects presumed [group A]), amphotericin B treatment induced clinical cure 119. 23 test-negative to have other diseases B]), 16 had disorders diagnosed at entry, 4 responded empiric antimalarial therapy, 2 proven kala-azar, 1 died elsewhere after undergoing splenic aspiration. Six months ended, all group A 18 assessable healthy. In a region India where infection is prevalent, IgG clinically promising diagnostic guide persons kala-azar.