This study compared a panel of 10 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the serodiagnosis of Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis (MVL). The ELISAs were based on either one of the following Leishmania antigens: crude soluble Leishmania antigens (SLAs), recombinant (r) antigens (namely: rgp63, rK39, gene B protein, r H2A and r H2B histones proteins, rLACK, rPSA-2, r P20) and purified lipophosphoglycan. Most of the test antigens showed good performance (sensitivity > 85%, specificity > 80%). rK39 and SLA-based ELISA gave the best results in terms of sensitivity (100%) and predictive value of the negative (100%). The best specificity (97%) and the best predictive value of the positive (92%) were obtained with rK39. These results show that several Leishmania antigens are suitable to design a diagnostic ELISA of MVL. However, recombinant proteins add little to the classic crude SLA, which still represents a very good and less costly alternative.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|
Microb Pathog
January 2025
Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:
Access Microbiol
January 2025
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Liwa College, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Proper identification and management of post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) and canine leishmaniasis (CanL) cases are among the prerequisites to the effective control of visceral leishmaniasis worldwide. Unlike PKDL, CanL still awaits effective improvement because of its cryptic nature, absence of parasites in lesions or lymph nodes and not complete sensitivity of some diagnostic tools in use. Because of the need for certain skills and equipment, both the liquid direct agglutination test and freeze-dried direct agglutination test (FD-DAT) versions are, in comparison with the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), practical and feasible diagnostic alternatives.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVaccines (Basel)
November 2024
Laboratory of Biology of Cellular Interactions, Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil.
Background/objectives: Considering the large number of candidates in vaccine-testing studies against different pathogens and the amount of time spent in the preclinical and clinical trials, there is a pressing need to develop an improved in vivo system to quickly screen vaccine candidates. The model of a polyester-polyurethane sponge implant provides a rapid analysis of the specific stimulus-response, allowing the study of a compartmentalized microenvironment. The sponge implant's defined measurements were standardized as a compartment to assess the immune response triggered by the vaccinal antigen.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHeliyon
December 2024
UMR INTERTRYP, IRD, CIRAD, University of Montpellier (I-MUSE), GoInsect: Infectiology and Entomology Research Group, Montpellier, France.
Since the 20th century, numerous studies have detected or isolated parasites from the Trypanosomatidae family in various tick species. However, the status of ticks as vectors for medically or veterinary significant and remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide new insights into the potential vector status of these pathogens, which have significant medical and veterinary implications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTrans R Soc Trop Med Hyg
January 2025
Department of Medical Parasitology, Medical school, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran.
Background: Leishmaniasis represents a significant parasitic disease with global health implications, and the development of an affordable and effective vaccine could provide a valuable solution. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine targeting Leishmania major specifically based on the Leishmania-activated C kinase (LACK) antigen, utilizing calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs) and chitosan nanoparticles (ChitNs) as adjuvants.
Methods: Seventy female BALB/c mice, aged 4-6 wk and weighing 20-22 g, were selected and divided into five groups, each consisting of 14 mice.
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!