What is rK39 dipstick test?

What is rK39 dipstick test?

The rK39 rapid immunochromatographic test (ICT) is now being widely used in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) using serum. We evaluated the presence of anti-rK-39 antibody in human saliva being noninvasive to replace the invasive procedures of diagnosis.

What is K39 test?

Conclusions: K39 strip test is ideal for rapid reliable field diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. The test has high sensitivity and specificity but it remains positive long after treatment (up to 3 years).

How is kala azar diagnosis?

Serology tests: A variety of tests are available for diagnosis of Kala-azar. The most commonly used tests based on relative sensitivity; specificity and operational feasibility include Direct Agglutination Test (DAT), rk39 dipstick and ELISA.

What is an immunochromatographic assay?

The immunochromatographic assay is a simple and rapid test which represents a suitable alternative to the conventional subculture method for the primary identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in liquid cultures of BacT/Alert automated system.

What is the full form of PKDL?

Overview. Post Kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a well-recognized complication of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) or kala-azar. It has been described since the beginning of the 20th century both in Asia and Africa, in areas where Leishmania donovani is the causative parasite.

What is the two symptoms of kala-azar?

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar is fatal if left untreated in over 95% of cases. It is characterized by irregular bouts of fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anaemia. Most cases occur in Brazil, East Africa and in India.

Which laboratory tests are used to diagnose leishmaniasis?

ELISA has been used as a potential serodiagnostic tool for almost all infectious diseases, including leishmaniasis. The technique is highly sensitive, but its specificity depends upon the antigen used.

How does immunochromatographic test work?

The immunochromatographic test principle is based on immunoaffinity partition of the analyte between sample migrating laterally through a porous membrane and a finite “affinity zone” prepared by immobilizing an antibody on the membrane.

What are the steps involved in an immunochromatographic test?

Major steps in ICA are: (i) Preparation of labeled antibody and capture antibody against target analyte; (ii) Immobilizing the labeled antibody onto conjugate pad, and the capture antibody onto the strip membrane to form the Test/Control line.

What is PKDL and its symptoms?

Papillomatous lesions (on muzzle area of face, nose, chin, and lips) Hypertrophic lesions (eyelids, nose and lips) Xanthematous rash (orange plaque on axillary fold, cubital fossae, inner thighs, outer canthus of the eye and perioral) Pityriasis rosea like lesions.

What causes PKDL?

Abstract. Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) is a common complication of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani. Because of its possible role in transmission it is considered a public health problem in VL endemic areas.

Which organ is affects by kala-azar?

How would you diagnose the presence or absence of Amastigotes in leishmaniasis?

Definitive diagnosis of visceral disease is made by observing the parasite (more specifically, amastigotes in tissue) on stained Giemsa smears or by observing the culture of bone marrow, splenic, hepatic, or lymph node aspirates (see the following image).

How is mucocutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed?

In visceral leishmaniasis, diagnosis is made by combining clinical signs with parasitological, or serological tests (such as rapid diagnostic tests). In cutaneous and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis serological tests have limited value and clinical manifestation with parasitological tests confirms the diagnosis.

What if TB test is positive?

A “positive” TB blood test result means you probably have TB germs in your body. Most people with a positive TB blood test have latent TB infection. To be sure, your doctor will examine you and do a chest x-ray. You may need other tests to see if you have latent TB infection or active TB disease.