Serological Diagnosis of Cutaneous Leshmaniasis
Because of the poor antibody response in continuous leishmaniasis serological tests are of little value in diagnosis. There is however a cellular response, which is the basis of the leishmanin, skin tests.
Leishmanin Test
The antigen used in the leishmanin test (or Montenegro reaction), is prepared from killed culture promastigotes of L. tropica, with a concentration of 10 x 106 parasites per ml.
The antigen is available from different commercial manufacture. In the test, 10.1 ml of well-shaken antigen is injected intradermally in to the inner surface of the forearm. It is preferable to perform tests with an accompanying control solution. The diameter of in duration is measured at 48 and 72 hours.
Positive reaction: The reaction is considered positive when the area of indurations is 5mm in diameter or more.
A positive reaction may be found in many persons from endemic areas who show no visible skin lesions but have been exposed to infection (test remains positive for life). A positive leishmanin test in children under 10 years of age from endemic areas is highly suggestive of the disease.
In persons entering an endemic area for the first time, the development of skin lesions and positive test indicates cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Negative reaction: a negative reaction may be found in some 15% of patients with uncomplicated cutaneous leishmaniasis. There are no significant cross-reactions with other diseases.
Thanks For Vsiting ! Keep Your Healthy !
0 comments:
Post a Comment