For confirming a suspected case of visceral leishmaniasis, the single most sensitive diagnostic method is:
- A Peripheral blood smear examination
- B Microscopy and culture of splenic aspirate ✓
- C rK39 rapid antibody test
- D Aldehyde (formol-gel) test
Correct answer: B. Microscopy and culture of splenic aspirate
Explanation
Splenic aspirate microscopy and culture demonstrates Leishman-Donovan bodies with a sensitivity above 95 percent, higher than bone marrow or lymph node aspiration, because the spleen carries the heaviest parasite load. The rK39 test detects antibodies and performs well in Indian kala-azar but can stay positive after cure, while the aldehyde test merely reflects hyperglobulinaemia and is nonspecific.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.