The most sensitive method to detect LD bodies is: (A) Bone marrow aspiration, (B) Splenic aspiration, (C) Peripheral blood smear, (D) Lymph node biopsy
Answer is B. Splenic aspiration is the most sensitive method to detect LD bodies (98% positivity). Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are positive in over 85% of cases. Lymph node aspiration is positive in 60% of cases of African kala-azar but not in cases of Indian kala-azar.