Efficacy of an indirect immunofluorescence test in the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis

Vet J. 2010 Oct;186(1):123-4. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.06.030. Epub 2009 Aug 7.

Abstract

Of 146 dogs from a visceral leishmaniosis-endemic area that tested seronegative by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on blood samples collected on filter paper (IIFp), 51 (34.9%) and 10 (6.8%) tested positive by IIF on serum samples (IIFs) and enzyme immunoassay, respectively. Three samples (2.0%) tested positive by PCR. Leishmania chagasi was isolated from the skin of five (3.4%) dogs. Amastigote forms were identified in two of these five animals following histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. The findings highlight that detection methods such as IIFp can permit dogs infected with L. chagasi to remain undetected in endemic areas with attendant consequences for the epidemiology of infection both in the canine and human populations.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Dog Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Dogs
  • Endemic Diseases / prevention & control
  • Endemic Diseases / veterinary
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / methods
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect / veterinary*
  • Humans
  • Leishmania / classification
  • Leishmania / isolation & purification*
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / diagnosis
  • Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous / veterinary*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / veterinary
  • Sensitivity and Specificity