[Comparison between fixation test with BCG and immunofluorescence in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis]

The complement fixation test with an antigen from commercially lyophilized BCG and the immunofluorescence test were carried out on serum samples from patients with visceral leishmaniasis, oriental sore and tbc. The IFT positivity was obtained only in patients with visceral leishmaniasis. The CFT with BCG showed positive results in 3 on 5 serum samples from patients with visceral leishmaniasis, in 2 with oriental sore, at low titres, and in 5 serum samples from patients with tbc. The AA. confirm the high specificity of the IFT, but suggest that the CFT with BCG can be used as a convenient screening test.