Blood parasite load by qPCR as therapeutic monitoring in visceral leishmaniasis patients in Brazil: a case series study.

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.

Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates and Comparison of Methods of Susceptibility to Vancomycin.

S. aureus are among the main bacteria causing problems related to multidrug resistance in nosocomial infections. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out a reliable and rapid diagnosis for the identification of the bacteria and characterization of its susceptibility profile, especially vancomycin, which is an alternative treatment against multidrug-resistant (MDR) S.

Asymptomatic Leishmania infection in HIV-positive outpatients on antiretroviral therapy in Pernambuco, Brazil.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in HIV-positive individuals is a global health problem. HIV-Leishmania coinfection worsens prognosis and mortality risk, and HIV-Leishmania coinfected individuals are more susceptible to VL relapses. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy can protect against Leishmania infection in individuals living in VL-endemic areas, and regular use of antiretrovirals might prevent VL relapses in these individuals.

Case Report: Severe Visceral Leishmaniasis in a Patient with HIV Coinfection Undergoing Treatment for Erythema Nodosum Leprosum.

We report a case of visceral leishmaniasis (VL)/HIV coinfection in a patient undergoing regular antiretroviral therapy and treatment with thalidomide for erythema nodosum leprosum. He presented at a health service with high fever, chills, asthenia, pale skin, lower limb edema, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Visceral leishmaniasis was confirmed by direct examination, and serological and molecular tests.