Biomarkers of the early response to treatment of visceral leishmaniasis: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Early biomarkers of the response to treatment are lacking and may help to reduce mortality by the vector-borne disease visceral leishmaniasis (VL).

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted to investigate plasma cytokines and clinical laboratory data as biomarkers of the early response to specific treatment for VL in 36 patients.

Results: The mean interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentration on the 7th day was 2.

Genotypes of the mannan-binding lectin gene and susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis and clinical complications.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is almost always lethal if not treated, but most infections with the causative agents are clinically silent. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), an opsonin, is a candidate molecule for modifying progression to VL because it may enhance infection with intracellular pathogens. Mutations in the MBL2 gene decrease levels of MBL and may protect against development of VL.