Evaluation of recombinant K39 antigen and various promastigote antigens in sero-diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Bangladesh

摘要

BackgroundDefinitive diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) by demonstrating parasites in tissue smears or by culture involves invasive procedures, technical expertise and adequate laboratory facilities. Endemic countries rely mainly on serological tests to diagnose VL. Currently, the immunochromatographic test incorporating the recombinant K39 antigen (rK39 ICT) is the reference test for rapid diagnosis of VL in the Indian subcontinent. The performance of serological tests using rK39 and other promastigote antigens can vary due to differences in antigen expression, the various hosts and environmental factors. To achieve elimination of VL, diagnostic accuracy will be necessary for active case detection especially in those who carry asymptomatic infections. We evaluated the performance of rK39 ICT, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay using mixed Leishmania promastigotes from different Leishmania species (p-ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) utilizing whole promastigotes from the Leishmania donovani complex for sero-diagnosis of VL in Bangladesh.