[The complement fixation test with BCG in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis]

The utility of complement-fixation test with an antigen from commercially lyophilized BCG was investigated in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. The following results were obtained: Visceral leishmaniasis: 4 positivity on 5 cases; Oriental sore: 3 positivity on 6 cases; Canine leishmaniasis: 6 positivity, at high level, and 2 negativity; Other diseases: 5 positivity, on 17 sera of tbc; No positivity in sera from patients with various diseases, in control and in normal dogs. The results are compared with those quoted in medical literature and discussed. The meaning of the reaction is also briefly discussed, and the hypothesis of the presence of partigens between BCG and leishmania, or presence of autoantibodies is prospected.