Detection of canine visceral leishmaniasis by conjunctival swab PCR.

INTRODUCTION

Conjunctival swab PCR was evaluated as a tool to diagnose visceral leishmaniasis in dogs.

METHODS

Conjunctival swab PCR was compared to indirect immunofluorescence antibody test and blood PCR.

RESULTS

Indirect immunofluorescence was significantly correlated with conjunctival swab PCR (p < 0.05), but not with blood PCR (p > 0.05). In addition, conjunctival swab PCR was significantly associated with presence of clinical symptoms (p < 0.05), whereas blood PCR was associated with absence of clinical symptoms (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that conjunctival swab PCR is useful in epidemiological surveys of canine visceral leishmaniasis.