The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A retrospective study was conducted on 376 patients with history of prolonged fever who were admitted
in Al-Nassiriya Pediatric Hospital during the year 2002; their clinical features were highly suggestive of
Kala-azar. Bone marrow examination was done for 200 cases and the results were positive in 168 cases
(84%). Serological tests were not available to confirm cases diagnosed on clinical bases and those with
bone marrow negative results, for that reason the last two groups had been excluded from the study. It
was found that the majority of cases (94.64%) were below the age of 3 years, 51.8% were males and 48.2%
were females. A high percentage of cases 85% were from rural areas and only 15% were from city center.
The number of cases recorded during the year 2002 was much greater than that recorded during the
years 1989, and 1990. The study had elucidated one of the important health problems among children in
Thi-Qar governorate. The importance of preventive measures was stressed.