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.