The Immunochromatography Use in Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil: A “Quick Solution” of a Complex Diagnostic? Rapid Test in Dogs with Leishmaniasis - Abstract
Diagnosis of Canine Leishmaniasis is complex, once there is no test able to detect infection period / disease. Serological methods can have different results when performed by different methods and misinterpretations may result in hasty diagnosis. Rapid tests can be considered attractive, from a clinical point of view, because of its easy carrying and reading these results. However, the use of rapid testing alone for the diagnosis of canine leishmaniasis in Brazil should be considered dangerous, especially in asymptomatic dogs. In addition, knowledge of the technique and the different commercial assays available (which differ in the composition) must be considered essential for better performance and interpretation of results. The objective of this study is to show the main characteristics of rapid tests for diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis, used in Brazil, and demonstrate the effectiveness of these in previous studies associated with other methods of serological diagnosis and evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of these tests.