Outcome of patients with visceral leishmaniasis in Diyala province

Abstract

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis is the second largest parasitic killer in the world after malaria. Objective: The outcome of patient with visceral leishmaniasis in hospital samples depending on spot test for diagnosis. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in Al-Batool Teaching Hospital in Baqubah- Diyala province, during the period from January 2015 to December 2015. Thirty five collecting cases were suspected to have visceral leishmaniasis. History was taken regarding residence, gender, age, animal contact, blood group type. Clinical examination and investigation were done using complete blood count, abdominal ultrasound and spot test. Results: In this study, thirty-five children were diagnosed as visceral leishmaniasis. It is found more among males (60%) than females (40%), more common in spring and winter, than in summer and autumn; which was (48.5%, 31%, 14% and 0.05%) respectively. High percentage recorded among patient with type (A) and (B) blood group, and less in (AB) and (O) (57%,22%,5%,14%) respectively also infection in rural area (71%) more than in urban (29%). Regarding the site of infection, organomegaly was (57%), splenomegaly (14%), hepatomegaly (17%), hepatosplenomegaly (26%) no-organomegaly(43%). All patients were anemic (43%), mild anemia (10 mg% and less) and (57%) severe anemia (7mg% and less). The percentage of duration of fever was 17%<week,31%(1-2) weeks,52%>2 weeks. Conclusion: Visceral leishmaniasis is a common in patients live in rural areas that have contact with animals (Dog, fox and jackals).