Kala Azar

Kala Azar antibody test is a rapid strip / dipstick immunoassay for the qualitative detection of rk39 antibodies to visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) in human specimens to aid in the diagnosis of Kala Azar (Leishmania) infection. For professional and in-vitro diagnostic use only. Leishmaniasis or Leishmaniosis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and spread by the bite of certain types of sandflies. The disease can present in three main ways: cutaneous, mucocutaneous, or visceral leishmaniasis. The cutaneous form presents with skin ulcers, while the mucocutaneous form presents with ulcers of the skin, mouth, and nose, and the visceral form starts with skin ulcers and then later presents with fever, low red blood cells, and enlarged spleen and liver. Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala azar, black fever, and Dumdum fever, is the most severe form of leishmaniasis. Visceral disease is usually caused by Leishmania donovani, L. infantum, or L. chagasi. Serodiagnosis has been widely utilized to establish infection, as anti-leishmanial antibody titers are high during acute disease. The Kala Azar Dipstick Rapid Test is for the qualitative determination of antibodies to a recombinant antigen (rK-39) specific for visceral leishmaniasis.