Use of the polymerase chain reaction to assess the success of visceral leishmaniasis treatment

摘要: We investigated whether the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) performed with aspirates of bone marrow or lymph node can be used as a test cure visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Sixty-one VL patients who had received supervised treatment sodium stibogluconate in health centre Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) Holland Um-Kuraa, eastern Sudan, were studied. Immediately after treatment, no parasite could demonstrated by microscopy node. In contrast, PCR detected Leishmania deoxyribonucleic acid 50 61 (82%). Forty-nine examined 3 and 6 months later; other 12 reported to alive but left area. With 10 these 49 patients, was negative remained free from signs symptoms VL; they apparently cured. Of 39 positive 14 (36%) developed post kala-azar dermal 9 (23%) recurrence reappearance parasites aspirates. Four relapsed subsequently died VL. concluded that on assess The fact 23 standard not completely cured indicated there is need investigate extended alternative treatments.