Visceral leishmaniasis complicated by secondary bacterial infections in Iraqi Kala-Azar

ABSTRACT

Kala-azar is a vector borne parasitic disease endemic in Iraq. This disease is complicated by secondary bacterial infections which may lead to death. The study was carried out to detect the bacterial infections associated with kala-azar and the effective treatment. Collection of blood, urine, stool and ear exudate specimens from 63 proved kala-azar patients. The bacterial isolates from the specimens were subjected to antibiotics sensitivity test. 63 [46.7%] of 135 hospitalized children with visceral leishmaniasis, developing 102 episodes of infections. The sites of these infections were urinary tract 46 [45.1%], lower respiratory tract 37[36.3%], gastrointestinal 10[9.8%] and middle ear 9[8.9%]. Both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria were isolated. Most of the isolated bacteria belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae. The antibiotics gentamicin, amikacin and co-trimoxazole were the most effective. Bacterial infections were common among hospitalized children with kala-azar. The commonest were Gram negative bacteria of the family Enterobacteriaceae