Leishimania IgG/IgM Rapid Test

Visceral leishmaniasis, or Kala-azar, is a disseminated infection caused by several subspecies of the L. donovani. The disease is estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to affect approximately 12 million people in 88 countries. It is transmitted to humans by bites of the Phlebotomus sandflies, which acquire infection from feeding on infected animals. Though it is a disease found in poor countries, in Southern Europe, it has become the leading opportunistic infection in AIDS patients. Identification of L. donovani organism from the blood, bone marrow, liver, lymph nodes or the spleen provides a definite mean of diagnosis. Serological detection of anti-L. donovani IgM is found to be an excellent marker for the acute Visceral leishmaniasis. Tests used in clinic are included ELISA, fluorescent antibody or direct agglutination tests 4-5. Recently, utilization of L. donovani specific protein in the test has improved the sensitivity and specificity dramatically. The Leishmania IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Test is a recombinant protein based serological test, which detects IgG and IgM antibodies to the L. Donovani simultaneously. The test provides a reliable result within 15 minutes without any instruments.