title: Use of the Kala-Azar Detect® and IT-LEISH® rapid tests for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.
abstract: The performances of two rapid tests and a standard serological test for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were compared using sera from 193 patients with VL and 85 controls. The Kala-Azar Detect(®), IT-LEISH(®) and IFI-LH(®) assays showed sensitivities of 88.1%, 93.3% and 88.6%, respectively, and specificities of 90.6%, 96.5% and 80%, respectively. The sensitivity values were similar for both rapid tests, but the specificity and positive predictive values of IT-LEISH(®) were higher than the corresponding values for IFI-LH(®). Both rapid tests showed satisfactory performances and can be used in primary health care settings; however, IT-LEISH(®) permits the use of whole blood, making this assay more suitable for bedside diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Laboratório de Pesquisas Clínicas, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. vanessa@cpqrr.fiocruz.br
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Peruhype-Magalhães
authors.forename: Tália Santana
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Machado-de-Assis
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rabello
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001938:Brazil; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007898:Leishmaniasis, Visceral / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D011933:Reagent Kits, Diagnostic