Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is fatal if not diagnosed and treated. This study aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic-therapeutic alternatives for VL in Brazil.
METHODS:
A decision model estimated the life expectancy and costs of six diagnostic-therapeutic strategies.
RESULTS:
IT LEISH + liposomal amphotericin B emerged the best option, presenting lower costs and higher effectiveness. DAT-LPC + liposomal amphotericin B showed an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of US$ 326.31 per life year.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings indicate the feasibility of incorporating DAT and designating liposomal amphotericin B as the first-line drug for VL in Brazil.
Keywords:
Visceral leishmaniasis; Cost-effectiveness; Diagnosis; Therapy