Diagnostic Value of Rk39 Dipstick in Paediatric Visceral Leishmaniasis in Baghdad

Abstract

Back ground: Visceral leishmaniasis is endemic in the
middle and south of Iraq, it involves mostly infants. The
disease is observed mainly among rural areas that are far
from equipped medical centers. Therefore, there is a need
for anon- invasive, cost- effective, reliable, easily
available and fast method of diagnosis of this dngerous
disease.
Objective: The aim was to compare the validity and
predictive values of the recombinant K39 antigen (rK39)
test with that of the indirect fluorescent antibody test
(IFAT) test (the usual laboratory method) in the detection
of visceral leishmaniasis.
Methods: A Cross-sectional study was done in ALMansour Pediatric Hospital (in AL-Rusafa), and Central
Pediatric Hospital (in AL-Karkh) in Baghdad for 6
months duration (from the 1st of December 2004 to 30th of
May 2005). Children less than five years who suspected to
be infected with visceral leishmaniasis were selected and
investigated by IFAT test and rK39 dipstick strip.
Results: The validity of rK39 test when evaluated with
the standard methods IFAT test showed a sensitivity of
90.5%, specificity of 90.7%, predictive value positive of
77.9%, predictive value negative of 96.4% and 90.7%
accuracy.
Conclusions: The rK39 antigen strip test is valid in the
diagnosis of suspected children with visceral
leishmaniasis as the test is rapid, sensitive, and specific