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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 86219:
Leishmaniasis (Visceral) Antibody, Serum

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Visceral leishmaniasis (kala azar) is a disseminated intracellular protozoal infection that targets primarily the reticuloendothelial system (liver, spleen, bone marrow) and is caused by Leishmania donovani, Leishmania chagasi, or Leishmania infantum (Leishmania donovani complex).

 

Transmission is by the bite of sandflies. Clinical symptoms include fever, weight loss, and splenomegaly; pancytopenia and hypergammaglobulinemia are often present. Most (90%) new cases each year arise in rural areas of India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sudan, and Brazil but the disease has a worldwide distribution, including the Middle East.

 

Definitive diagnosis has required the microscopic documentation of characteristic intracellular amastigotes in stained smears from culture of aspirates of tissue (spleen, lymph node) or bone marrow. The detection of serum antibodies to the recombinant K39 antigen of Leishmania donovani is an alternative non invasive sensitive (95%-100%) method for the diagnosis of active, visceral leishmaniasis.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Diagnosis of active visceral leishmaniasis

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A positive result is consistent with a diagnosis of active visceral leishmaniasis.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

This test indicates only the presence of antibodies and should not be used as the sole criteria for diagnosis.

 

False-positive results may occur in patients with malaria or in the presence of rheumatoid factor.

 

Specimens containing glycerol or other viscous materials may interfere with the test.

 

Patients co-infected with HIV and Leishmania may fail to produce antibodies.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Carvalho SF, Lemos EM, Corey R, Dietze R: Performance of recombinant K39 antigen in the diagnosis of Brazilian visceral leishmaniasis. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2003;68:321-324

2. Sundar S, Sahu M, Mehta H, et al: Noninvasive management of Indian visceral leishmaniasis: clinical application of diagnosis of K39 antigen strip testing at a kala-azar referral unit. Clin Infect Dis 2002;25:581-586