Testing for VL in USA

[Donoghue, Ann]

The testing for Leishmania in the foxhounds was conducted by the CDC using
an IFA and Leishmania promastigotes.

Additionally, an ELISA using K39 as the diagnostic antigen, is available for
the diagnosis of canine leishmaniosis.  This assay, developed by Heska
Corporation, has been available at the Heska Veterinary Diagnostic
Laboratories in Fort Collins, CO since 1998.  The following information
describes the general requirements for testing:

Samples may be submitted using Heska prepaid-postage envelopes, submission
forms and sample test tubes.  
Refrigeration during shipment is not required.
Samples must be submitted through a veterinarian (not by individual dog
owners).  The vet should call 1-800-464-3752 to set up an account and to
have the envelopes, submission forms and test tubes mailed to them.
The price for individual samples, or samples sent in groups of less than 42,
is $28.00 each.
For samples sent in batches of 42, the cost is $18.00 each (call the lab
before submitting to arrange for this).
The test is run once a week.
The test is an ELISA, using K39 as the diagnostic antigen (coated on the
plate).
Minimum sample volume is 1.0 ml.
Sample type is serum (plasma may also be used, but we haven't fully
validated plasma).
Samples may be frozen for more than 1 year before submission.
Results are reported as postive or negative.  We will also report the actual
ELISA absorbance value if requested (may be useful in serial monitoring).
This is a special request and will need to be set up in advance of testing.
This test is specific for infection with Leishmania donovani complex
(visceral).

If  laboratory-specific information (such as checking on samples, setting up
batch testing, getting results) is needed, call the lab directly at
1-888-437-5237.

For non-US residents, the number to call for all purposes 1-970-493-7272
(ask for Customer Service to set up an account, or the VDL to talk to the
lab).

Below are a few references on the use of K39 for the diagnosis of visceral
leishmaniosis in humans and dogs.  The last 2 references are specific for
the Heska ELISA:

Sundar S, Reed SG, Singh VP, Kumar PC, Murray HW.  Rapid accurate field
diagnosis of Indian visceral leishmaniasis.  Lancet, 1998 Feb,351:9102,
563-5  

Houghton RL, Petrescu M, Benson DR, Skeiky YA, Scalone A, Badaró R, Reed SG,
Gradoni L.  A cloned antigen (recombinant K39) of Leishmania chagasi
diagnostic for visceral leishmaniasis in human immunodeficiency virus type 1
patients and a prognostic indicator for monitoring patients undergoing drug
therapy.  J Infect Dis, 1998 May, 177:5, 1339-44  

Bhatia A, Daifalla NS, Jen S, Badaro R, Reed SG, Skeiky YA.  Cloning,
characterization and serological evaluation of K9 and K26: two related
hydrophilic antigens of Leishmania chagasi.  Mol Biochem Parasitol, 1999
Aug, 102:2, 249-61  

Jelinek T, Eichenlaub S, Löscher T. Sensitivity and specificity of a rapid
immunochromatographic test for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.  Eur J
Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1999 Sep, 18:9, 669-70  

Singh S, Gilman Sachs A, Chang KP, Reed SG.  Diagnostic and prognostic value
of K39 recombinant antigen in Indian leishmaniasis.  J Parasitol, 1995 Dec,
81:6, 1000-3  

Burns JM Jr, Shreffler WG, Benson DR, Ghalib HW, Badaro R, Reed SG.
Molecular characterization of a kinesin-related antigen of Leishmania
chagasi that detects specific antibody in African and American visceral
leishmaniasis.  
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1993 Jan, 90:2, 775-9  

Gradoni L, De Luna R, Oliva G, Scalone A., Mondesire R., Simpson D. and GR
Frank.  Evaluation of a recombinant Leishmania chagasi antigen as a
diagnostic marker for Leishmania infantum-infected dogs.  First World
Congress on Leishmaniosis, Istanbul, Turkey.  May 1997.  (Abstract No. 183).

Frank GR.  A recombinant antigen based diagnostic for canine visceral
Leishmania infections.  The National Managed Health Care Congress:
Veterinary Diagnostics, Tempe, Arizona, 8-9 December 1997

Sincerely,

Ann R Donoghue, DVM, MS
Associate Director
Product Development and Regulatory Affairs
Heska Corporation
1613 Prospect Parkway
Fort Collins CO 80525
970-407-0653, ext 4053
http://www.heska.com

-----Original Message-----
From: volf at cesnet.cz [mailto:volf at cesnet.cz]
Sent: Thursday, April 27, 2000 11:21 AM
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: Re: VL USA cont
 
Could anyone provide information which diagnostic method have been used? 

Petr Volf