Diagnostic accuracy of tests for visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania infantum: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Mariana Lourenço Freire, Tália Santana Machado de Assis, Daniel Moreira de Avelar et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of tests for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum in individuals with suspected disease, including those with HIV. Among immunocompetent individuals, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) and kDNA-PCR demonstrated the highest accuracy, with diagnostic odds ratios (DORs) of 556.6 and 262.4, respectively. In HIV patients, PCR showed better performance (DOR 102.6).
Key findings
- RDTs had a diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of 556.6 in immunocompetent individuals.
- kDNA-PCR showed a DOR of 262.4 compared to parasitological methods.
- In HIV patients, PCR outperformed serological tests with a DOR of 102.6.
- Serological tests like IFA had significantly reduced performance in HIV patients.
Why it matters
Understanding the diagnostic accuracy of various tests for visceral leishmaniasis is crucial for clinicians, especially in immunocompromised populations, to ensure timely and appropriate treatment.