TG-ROC analysis of immunofluorescence assays in canine visceral leishmaniasis diagnosis.

Objective: To analyze the accuracy of the diagnosis of two protocols of indirect immunofluorescence assays for canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Methods: Dogs from the seroepidemiological survey conducted in an endemic area of the cities of Araçatuba and Andradina, in Northwestern São Paulo state, in 2003, and in a non-endemic area of the metropolitan region of São Paulo, were used to assess two protocols of indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for leishmaniasis: one using a Leishmania major heterologous antigen (IFA-BM) and another using a Leishmania chagasi homologous antigen (IFA-CH). Two-graph receiver operating characteristic (TG-ROC) analysis was used to estimate accuracy.