Validation of an Immunochromatographic Assay Kit Based on Colored Latex Particles for the Identification of the Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis

GARCIA, VALERIA S.; GUERRERO, SERGIO A.; BURNA, ALEXIS; DEMONTE, ANA; GUGLIOTTA, LUIS M.; GONZALEZ, VERÓNICA D.G.

RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE

ELSEVIER SCI LTD

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2023 vol. 155 p. 69 - 75

0034-5288

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic infectious disease with a severe impact on humans and animals. Infection is transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. The dogs are main reservoir for human infection. A rapid and accurate diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis is essential for an efficient surveillance program. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a rapid immunochromatographic strip test based on functionalized colored particles and a new recombinant antigenic protein, as a visual “in situ” method for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. The results were evaluated using an in-house ELISA assay with the same antigen. Both tests produced concordant results and the immunochromatographic strip test showed good diagnostic sensitivity (98%) and specificity (95%). Finally, meta-analysis was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the here developed test with the results of commercial immunochromatographic strip tests obtained from literature.