Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Visceral Leishmaniasis is an endemic protozoal disease in Iraq. Recovery from this disease confers a solid and permanent immunity. Immunological assessment of our patients was carried out and the results showed that a significant increase in phagocytic index in patients with VL in comparison with control group.
AIM OF THE STUDY: Determining phagocytic index.
METHODS:
Blood samples were collected from 50 patients suffering from VL confirmed parasitologically by bone marrow smears, 40 blood samples from apparently healthy children and 50 blood samples from children in an endemic area (Al-Suwaira district).Their age was less than six years in all groups, and who were apparently healthy.
RESULTS:
The immunological assessment of our patients was carried out and the result showed that a significant increase in phagocytic index in patients with Visceral Leishmaniasis in comparison with control group (p<0.01). While the result of endemic control group by ELISA, IFAT and IC were used to test 50 serum samples from healthy children who lived in an endemic area. A total of 48 cases of them were found to be negative at least by one of the above tests, IC showed the lowest cross reactivity rate (4%).
CONCLUSION:
Phagocytic index was higher in patients with Visceral Leishmaniasis in comparison with control group.