rk-39 Dipstick Rapid Test for Kala-azar Comparison with Splenic Aspirate for the Diagnosis of Kala-azar

摘要

Kala-azar is caused by-a flagellated.tissue protozoan of the genus Leishmania donovani acquired via the bite of sand fly. The vector in India is phlebotomus argentioes and phlebotomus palpatasi. The disease is characterised by irregular fever of long duration, progressive emaciation pancytopenia, enlargement of the spleen and liver and presence of causative organism in the cells of reticulo endothelial system in the spleen, liver, bone marrow and else where in tissues. Diagnosis of Kala-azar was first described by U.N. Brahmchari (1917) globulin precipitation test, but this test failed to show specificity in India. In 1921 Napier's aklhyde test was developed but becomes positive after 3 months and is non specific in nature.