Description
Members of the genus Leishmania, protozoan parasites transmitted by the bites of sandflies, cause a spectrum of diseases in the vertebrate host. Clinical manifestations range from self-healing skin lesions to diffuse cutaneous and mucosal manifestations or severe visceral manifestations. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is generally caused by Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean region, by L. chagasi, in South America, and by L. donovani in India and Africa. The diagnosis of VL cannot always be made on the basis of only clinical symptoms because VL shares its clinical features with other diseases. Thus, the diagnosis of VL largely relies on parasitological and serological methods. Serological methods are more sensitive and less invasive than parasitological methods.
Indications
This test is a useful and a convenient tool in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, particularly visceral leishmaniasis.
Sample Type, Quantity & Conditions
1 ml Serum Room Temperature
Special Precautions
Normal Range
Negative: < 1/10 Titre
