This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a fast agglutination screening test (FAST) for serodiagnosis of human Leishmania infantum infection in Iran. FAST is based on the direct agglutination test (DAT) but combines with a higher parasite concentration and is performed with only one serum dilution. The validity of FAST for the detection of L. infantum infection in the field was compared ...

The blood of twelve patients with parasitologically proved visceral leishmaniasis was examined for the presence of antibodies against blood cells. The direct antiglobulin test (Coombs' test) was positive in ten. IgG and complement were found on the red cells (alone or combined), but no IgA or IgM. In the serum of two, warm antibodies were found in the bromelin test. Pseudo-agglutination was det...

Background: Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was done in order to determine the seroepidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in East Myankooh area, in Lorestan Province during 2004 – 2005 time period. Materials and methods: This study was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Multi stage sampling was performed...

We comment on the problems faced by Niscola et al1 during a specific diagnosis of leishmaniasis in patients with hematological malignancies. Rather than a serological test like direct agglutination and anti-K39 antibody, an in-vitro culture, and/or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) might be required to establish leishmaniasis diagnosis in those with a concurrent HIV infection. Serology would gene...