Abstract

ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in the Mid-Euphrate Region (Al-Qadisya, Najaf and Karbala provinces) during the period
between first/June 2004 to first/May 2006. Two types of laboratory tests were used in this study for the diagnosis of
visceral leishmaniasis in suspected patients attending pediatric hospitals in these province’s.
The patients were divided into two groups; the first group included 150 children admitted to Al-Qadisya, Najaf
and Karbala hospitals and the diagnosis was made on serum samples using Dipstick test, and the results indicated
the positive cases by this test were 107/150 (71.4%). The second group included 27 children suspected of having
visceral leishmaniasis depending on the clinical features, and microscopical smear finding by Bone marrow
examination), the results indicated that the positive cases by this test were 17/27(62.9%). Fifteen out of 17 VL
patients (microscopically confirmed) were found positive by dipstick test. The test was proved to be the simplest,
cheapest, and rapid for the diagnosis of VL. It is a safe, highly sensitive (88.23%) and specific (60%) and can detect
the disease early. It was found that all the age groups are susceptible for the disease but those who are 13-24 months
old are the most susceptible. Both sexes are susceptible, but the highest incidence of infection more males (59.3%)
were affected than female (40.7%). Visceral leishmaniasis was found to be more prevalent in rural than urban
populations (68.3% and 31.7%) respectively.
Statistical method: Chi- square test and percentage of infection were applied. P-value 0.05