학술논문
Evaluation of a direct immunofluorescent antibody (difma) test using Leishmania genus - specific monoclonal antibody in the routine diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis
Document Type
article
Source
Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. June 1995 28(2)
Subject
Language
English
ISSN
0037-8682
Abstract
A direct immunofluorescent antibody (DIFMA) test using a Leishmania genus- specific monoclonal antibody was evaluated in the routine diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Ecuador. This test was compared with the standard diagnostic techniques of scrapings, culture and histology. Diagnostic samples were taken from a total of 90 active dermal ulcers from patients from areas of Ecuador known to be endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis. DIFMA was positive in all lesions. It was shown to be significantly superior to standard diagnostic methods either alone or in combination. The sensitivity of DIFMA did not diminish with chronicity of lesions. This test proved to be extremely useful in the routine diagnosis of CL because it is highly sensitive, is easy to use and produces rapid results.