Asymptomatic < i > Leishmania < /i > infection in HIV-positive outpatients on antiretroviral therapy in Pernambuco, Brazil

by Diego Lins Guedes, Alda Maria Justo, Walter Lins Barbosa J únior, Elis Dionísio da Silva, Samuel Ricarte de Aquino, Manoel Sebastiao da Costa Lima Junior, Ulisses Montarroyos, Gilberto Silva Nunes Bezerra, Amanda Virginia Batista Vieira, Valéria Rêgo Alves Pereira, Zulma Maria de Medeiros BackgroundVisceral leishmaniasis (VL) in HIV-positive individuals is a global health problem. HIV-Leishmania coinfection worsens prognosis and mortality risk, and HIV-Leishmania coinfected individuals are more susceptible to VL relapses. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy can protect againstLeishmania infection in individuals living in VL-endemic areas, and regular use of antiretrovirals might prevent VL relapses in these individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Petrolina, Brazil, an VL-endemic area, to estimate the prevalence of asymptomaticLeishmania cases among HIV-positive outpatients. MethodsWe invited any HIV-positive patients, aged ≥ 18-years-old, under antiretroviral therapy, and who were asymptomatic for VL. Patients were tested forLeishmania with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)-rK39, immunochromatographic test (ICT)-rK39, direct agglutination test (DAT), latex agglutination test (KAtex), and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HIV-Leishmania coinfection was diagnosed when at least one VL test was positive. ResultsA total of 483 patients were included. The sample was predominantly composed of single,
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research