Risk Factors Associated with Human Visceral Leishmaniasis in an Urban Area of Bahia, Brazil.

Background: The early diagnosis of asymptomatic, acute, and subclinical Leishmania infections remains a challenge for controlling visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Individuals with acute VL represent <1% of Leishmania infections occurring in active transmission endemic areas. In this cross-sectional study with a prospective follow-up, we explored the risk factors associated with acquisition of Leishmania infection in an area with newly identified endemic VL.

Leishmaniasis as a Manifestation of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) in HIV-Infected Patients: A Literature Review.

Introduction: After the onset of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), some HIV-infected patients present a severe inflammation in response to a latent or a previously treated opportunistic pathogen termed immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Few reports of tegumentary and visceral leishmaniasis have been described in association with IRIS.

Methods: A systematic literature review of IRIS in association with leishmaniasis identified 34 reported cases.

Does lipid emulsion reduce amphotericin B nephrotoxicity? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis of 13 studies revealed that amphotericin B delivered as a locally prepared lipid emulsion or in liposomes reduced nephrotoxicity to a similar degree, by 18.4% (relative risk [RR], 0.40 [99% confidence interval, .

Comparative study of rK39 Leishmania antigen for serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: systematic review with meta-analysis.

Background: The rK39 recombinant protein is derived from a specific antigen produced by the Leishmania donovani complex, and has been used in the last two decades for the serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. We present here a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies evaluating serologic assays to diagnose visceral leishmaniasis to determine the accuracy of rK39 antigen in comparison to the use of other antigen preparations.

Methodology/principal Findings: A systematic review with meta-analysis of the literature was performed to compare the rK39 strip-test and ELISA formats against serological tests using promastigote antigens derived from whole or soluble parasites for Direct Aglutination Test (DAT), Indirect Immunofluorescence test (IFAT) and ELISA with a promastigote antigen preparation (p-ELISA).