Evaluation of Dot. ELISA test for Diagnosis Visceral Leishmaniasis in Infected Children

Abstract

For the first time in Iraq, this study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of Dot.ELISA, for detecting anti - Leishmania donovani antibodies in serum samples from suspected patient (children under 8 years ) with Visceral Leishmaniasis V.L.. Sera from 73 V.L. , 60 Healthy controls, and 57 patient with other parasitic diseases other than V.L. (Amoebiasis, Giardiasis , Toxoplasmosis, Schistosomiasis , Hydatidosis, Ascariasis , Lupus Erythromatosus , Viral Hepatitis, and Cutaneous Leishmaniasis) were examined. Anti Leishmania donovani antibodies detected in 71 out of 73 suspected Visceral Leishmaniasis . Data of this study showed that infection in male group was more than female group. Result of this study revealed a high prevalence of patients with V.L. infection at the age range 1 - 2.9 and 3 - 4.9 years when compared with other range groups (P>0.01). A cross – reaction was found with sera Lupus Erythromatosus, No cross - reaction was found with sera from other disease . Sensitivity was determined as 97.3 %, and Specificity was found to be 95.7% . Positive and Negative the Values Predictive of test were 96% and 97.4% Dot .ELISA is simpler, Serodiagnosis Rapid, sensitive and specific, Its use in respectively. Seeing that of V.L. can be recommended.