title: Short communication: evaluation of a new rapid diagnostic test for quality assurance by kala azar elimination programme in bangladesh.
abstract: In Bangladesh, serological tests have been widely used for the primary screening of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Several serologic tests are available for the diagnosis of VL. Selection of the best test is important to permit diagnostic differentiation between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and to reduce cross-reactivity. We evaluated the effectiveness of a new serological test "Onsite Leishmania Ab Rapid Test" as a part of "quality assurance" activities for the kala azar elimination programme of the Government of Bangladesh. Plasma samples of 100 parasitologically confirmed cases of VL along with 101 healthy controls were tested, and "Onsite Leishmania Ab Rapid Test" strip tests were positive in 94 out of 100 confirmed VL cases, whereas four out of 51 healthy subjects from the VL endemic areas also tested positive. All the 50 healthy volunteers tested negative. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity of "Onsite Leishmania Ab Rapid Test" strip test were found to be 94% (95% CI: 87-98) and 96% (95% CI: 90-99), respectively. This study showed that the performance of the "Onsite Leishmania Ab Rapid Test" strip tests was up to the recommended level.
authors: International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B), Mohakhali, Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh.
authors: Md Gulam Musawwir
authors: MG
authors: Khan
authors: Mohammad Shafiul
authors: MS
authors: Alam
authors: Abu Toha
authors: AT
authors: Bhuiyan
authors: Maleka Arjumand
authors: MA
authors: Jamil
authors: Bijoy
authors: B
authors: Saha
authors: Mazharul
authors: M
authors: Islam
authors: Rashidul
authors: R
authors: Haque
authors: Moazzem
authors: M
authors: Hossain
authors: Kazi M
authors: KM
authors: Jamil