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Published on: July 1, 2011
Development of a slide ELISA for canine leishmaniasis and comparison with four serological tests
F Vercammen1, D Berkvens, D Le Ray
1Veterinary Department, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.
Insights
A new slide ELISA test for canine leishmaniasis shows 100% sensitivity and specificity, matching other methods. This diagnostic tool aids in accurate detection of this parasitic disease in dogs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
- Immunology
Background:
- Canine leishmaniasis is a significant parasitic disease affecting dogs.
- Accurate diagnostic methods are crucial for controlling the spread of Leishmania infantum.
- Existing diagnostic assays vary in sensitivity and specificity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a slide ELISA for diagnosing canine leishmaniasis.
- To compare the performance of the new slide ELISA with established diagnostic techniques.
- To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the developed assay.
Main Methods:
- Development of a slide ELISA using Leishmania infantum promastigotes.
- Comparison with microimmunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, direct agglutination, and indirect immunofluorescence assays.
- Evaluation of sensitivity, specificity, and concordance between test results.
Main Results:
- The slide ELISA demonstrated 100% sensitivity, similar to other tested methods.
- Specificity was 100% for slide ELISA, microimmunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and indirect immunofluorescence.
- Direct agglutination showed 95% specificity, with high concordance across all assays.
Conclusions:
- The slide ELISA is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for canine leishmaniasis.
- It performs comparably to other established methods, offering a reliable alternative.
- The findings support the use of slide ELISA for effective canine leishmaniasis diagnosis.
Abstract:
A slide ELISA for canine leishmaniasis was developed by using promastigotes of Leishmania infantum, and compared with microimmunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, direct agglutination and indirect immunofluorescence assays. The sensitivity of all the tests was 100 per cent. The specificity of the direct agglutination test was 95 per cent but it was 100 per cent for the three other tests. There was also a positive correlation and a high level of concordance between the titres measured by the different tests.
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