Microscopic Detection of L.D. Bodies in Splenic Aspirates at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital

Abstract

Leishman stained smears prepared from ninety-nine (99) splenic aspirates and eleven (11) slit
skin were examined under light microscope in order to detect L.D. bodies at the department of
Microbiology, Rajshahi Medical College from 2002 to May 2003. L.D. bodies were found in 46
(46.46%) and 01 (9.09%) samples of splenic aspirates and slit skin smears respectively. Smear
positivity and concomitant higher parasitic load was noted among comparatively younger age
groups with slight male preponderance. Demonstration of parasitic by direct microscopical
examination in splenic aspirates for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis or kala azar and in
slit skin smears for Post kala azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is reliable method.

doi: 10.3329/taj.v16i1.3898

TAJ June 2003; Vol.16(1): 20-23