Convenience of serum for visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis by PCR

J Clin Microbiol. 2004 Nov;42(11):5332-3. doi: 10.1128/JCM.42.11.5332-5333.2004.

Abstract

In this retrospective study, the usefulness of a PCR performed on serum for primary diagnosis and monitoring of Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis (MVL) was assessed. In the case of primary diagnosis of MVL, the serum PCR showed a sensitivity of 97% and a specificity of 95%, with positive and negative predictive values of 94 and 97%, respectively.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Child
  • DNA, Protozoan / analysis
  • DNA, Protozoan / blood*
  • Humans
  • Leishmania infantum / genetics
  • Leishmania infantum / isolation & purification*
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Protozoan