Comparative diagnostic study of kala azar

Sera from 58 children with hepatosplenomegaly were tested for kala azar by gel diffusion immunoelectrophoresis, countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis and micro-ELISA. The results are compared with those from bone marrow cultures: 40 cases were diagnosed as kala azar by the four immunological techniques and Leishmania parasites were grown in 37 of 40 bone marrow cultures. The techniques used are discussed in terms of sensitivity, specificity and simplicity. The micro-ELISA technique was the most sensitive and convenient to carry out and is strongly recommended for use in routine diagnosis and epidermiological surveys.