Acceptance and potential barriers to effective use of diagnostic tests for visceral leishmaniasis in an urban area in Brazil

Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. 2016 Apr;49(2):241-4. doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0247-2015.

Abstract

Introduction: Acceptance of the IT LEISH(r) and direct agglutination test- made in the Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas (DAT-LPC) by healthcare professionals and patients suspected of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Ribeirão das Neves was evaluated.

Methods: Ninety-two patients and 47 professionals completed three questionnaires.

Results: Eighty-eight (96%) patients considered fingertip blood collection a positive test feature, and 86% (37) and 91% of professionals considered the IT LEISH(r) easy to perform and interpret, respectively. All professionals classified the DAT-LPC as simple and easy.

Conclusions: Patients and healthcare professionals in Ribeirão das Neves demonstrated a high degree of acceptance of the IT LEISH(r) and DAT-LPC.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Agglutination Tests
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / blood*
  • Brazil
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Leishmaniasis, Visceral / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data*
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Population
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic