Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Mediterranean Visceral Leishmaniasis in Immunocompetent Children

Abstract

PB PCR allows a rapid and noninvasive parasitologic diagnosis of Mediterranean VL among immunocompetent children and is at least as sensitive as a diagnosis made on the basis of BM aspirates. The lack of disappearance from BM and the reappearance of positive PCR on PB is predictive of clinical relapse. Qualitative and semiquantitative PCR may be the standard method for monitoring response to therapy in immunocompetent children.