title: Evaluation of serological assays based on a novel excreted antigen preparation for the diagnosis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Panama.
abstract: The objective of the present study was to determine the efficacy of prototype diagnostic serological assays for American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (ACL) in Panama. As such, we prospectively sampled 100 cutaneous leishmaniasis case-patients and tested their sera in two serological assays based upon novel soluble antigen preparations made from propagating the parasites in a protein-free, serum free media. Using serum and a Leishmania mexicana antigen preparation to sensitize plates, the assay correctly identified 89% of the case-patients. While using serum with an antigen preparation from Leishmania braziliensis, the assay correctly identified 71% of the patients. Concerning both test formats, performance was near equal in true positive and presumptive positive subsets demonstrating the improved sensitivity of these assays over reference methods of choice. Since the incidence of leishmaniasis in Panama has increased dramatically in the past 10 years, these assays may be useful in clinical and epidemiological studies and control programs.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Advanced Scientific Investigations and High Technology Services, INDICASAT, P.O. Box 7250, Zona 5, Panama City, Panama. lromero@senacyt.gob.pa
authors.forename: Luz I
authors.initials: LI
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: Héctor M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Paz
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ortega-Barría
authors.forename: Vicente
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bayard
authors.forename: Lisa P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Hochberg
authors.forename: Karen M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Collins
authors.forename: Adeline S T
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Jeffrey R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ryan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007894:Leishmania mexicana / Q000254:growth & development*; D016773:Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D010176:Panama; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013048:Specimen Handling
chemical_list: D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan; D000953:Antigens, Protozoan