Semi-quantitative measurement of asymptomatic L. infantum infection and symptomatic visceral leishmaniasis in dogs using Dual-Path Platform CVL

摘要: Infection with Leishmania causes diseases variable presentation. The most severe form is visceral leishmaniasis (VL), caused by either L. donovani or infantum. Despite efforts to eliminate VL, date, molecular detection in resource-poor settings have lacked the accuracy and rapidity that would enable widespread field use need for accurate, sensitive assays detect asymptomatic infection has become apparent. domestic dog serves as primary reservoir host of Study this population provides an opportunity evaluate sensitivity specificity diagnostics well-defined, symptomatic, canine (CVL) infantum infection. Blood samples from infantum-endemic US hunting dogs were evaluated Dual-Path Platform (DPP®) CVL compared those obtained via direct methods (culture- Leishmania-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction, qPCR) immunofluorescence anti-Leishmania antibody test (IFAT). Statistically significant correlations found between DPP® development time clinical status, culture circulating DNA levels, IFAT titer. results correlated both severity disease serological evidence By precisely documenting minimum required a clear positive result CVL, could be used rapid, semi-quantitative manner evaluation symptomatic CVL. Our also indicate similar improve our understanding human VL.