Serodiagnosis of Leishmania donovani infections: assessment of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays using recombinant L. donovani gene B protein (GBP) and a peptide sequence of L. donovani GBP

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

The repetitive sequence of Leishmania major gene B protein (GBP) has previously been shown to be a useful tool in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Here, we have assessed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) using recombinant L. donovani GBP (rGBP) and a peptide sequence of L. donovani GBP (GBPP) in the diagnosis of L. donovani infections in Sudan. The sensitivity of the rGBP ELISA in diagnosing visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) was 92% and 93%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity of the GBPP ELISA was 55% for VL and 63% for PKDL. Plasma antibody reactivity of donors with VL and PKDL remained high for an extended period after the end of treatment. Antibody-reactivity to rGBP and GBPP was detected in 71% and 14% of plasma samples from CL patients, respectively. Plasma from healthy Sudanese donors living in an area endemic for malaria but free of leishmaniasis was negative in both assays.
Original languageEnglish
JournalTransactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume93
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)157-60
Number of pages3
ISSN0035-9203
Publication statusPublished - 1999

Bibliographical note

Keywords: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Child; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Leishmania donovani; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Leishmaniasis, Visceral; Male; Middle Aged; Protozoan Proteins; Recombinant Proteins; Repetitive Sequences, Amino Acid; Sensitivity and Specificity

ID: 6765867