Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Kala-azar is a vector borne parasitic disease endemic in Iraq. This disease is complicated by secondary bacterial infections which may lead to death.
OBJECTIVE:
The study was carried out to detect the bacterial infections associated with kala-azar and the effective treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Collection of blood, urine, stool and ear exudate specimens from 63 proved kala-azar patients. The bacterial isolates from the specimens were subjected to antibiotics sensitivity test.
RESULTS:
63 (46.7%) of 135 hospitalized children with visceral leishmaniasis, developing 102 episodes of infections. The sites of these infections were urinary tract 46(45.1%), lower respiratory tract 37(36.3%), gastrointestinal 10(9.8%) and middle ear 9(8.9%). Both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria were isolated. Most of the isolated bacteria belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae. The antibiotics gentamicin, amikacin and co-trimoxazole were the most effective.
CONCLUSION:
Bacterial infections were common among hospitalized children with kala-azar. The commonest were Gram negative bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae.