Parasite serology: Leishmania

IFA used plus commercial Leishmania dipstick in non-cutaneous queries.

Ab levels detected around 1 month post-exposure.    

The IFA should seroconvert to negative within 6-9 months of successful treatment.

Antibody detection is useful in cases of suspected Visceral Leishmaniasis who do not have HIV infection.  In suspected Visceral Leishmaniasis patients who are HIV infected sera is often non-reactive. 

In Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, serology is of little value.       

Cross-reactions may occur with trypanosomiasis and autoimmune conditions.

 

SENSITIVITY %

SPECIFICITY %

LEISHMANIA IFA

94

94

LEISHMANIA DIPSTICK (in house verification)

75

100

IFA uses Leishmania donovani antigen. IgG antibodies detected. Secondary dipstick detects rK39 antigen.