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. Results: A significant reduction in the parasite load was observed after treatment (P < 0.0001). One patient had an increased parasite load 3 months post-treatment and relapsed clinically at month six. Conclusions: We have described the use of kDNA-based qPCR in the post-treatment follow-up of VL cases.

Automated summary

This study investigated the use of kDNA-based qPCR for monitoring parasite load in VL patients after treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in parasite load after treatment, although one patient experienced an increase in parasite load and relapse. These findings demonstrate the utility of kDNA-based qPCR for post-treatment follow-up in VL cases.