ABSTRACT
Background:
This study aimed to describe the kinetics of Leishmania parasite load determined using kinetoplast DNA (kDNA)-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients.
Methods:
Parasite load in blood was assessed by qPCR at five time points, up to 12 months post-diagnosis. Sixteen patients were followed up.
Results:
A significant reduction in the parasite load was observed after treatment (P < 0.0001). One patient had an increased parasite load 3 months post-treatment and relapsed clinically at month six.
Conclusions:
We have described the use of kDNA-based qPCR in the post-treatment follow-up of VL cases.
Keywords:
Kala-azar; Leishmania infantum; qPCR; Relapse; Visceral leishmaniasis
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