Some diagnostic aspects, using CD markers, in young Iraqi children with visceral leishmaniasis

The lymphocytic phenotypes involved in the pathogenesis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Iraqi children have recently been investigated, in a study based on cluster-differentiation (CD) markers . Each case of VL investigated was confirmed serologically by the immunochromatography with rk – 39 antigen strip test (dipstick assay) . A significant decrease was found in number of CD3 and CD4 cells in VL patients compared to the healthy control group, while the results showed that there was a significant increase in CD8 lymphocytes with VL patients in comparison to the control group . The CD4/CD8 ratio was lower in VL patients than that of the control group . There was a relative increase in CD22 of VL patients compared to the control group, but was not significant . There was no significant differnce in all types of CD cells percentage of VL in relation to some clinical parameters such as gender and age . Follow up of the patients showed there was a significant increase in the percentage of CD3, CD4, and CD4/CD8 ratio at the end of therapy . A relative decrease in CD22 but still more than control group .