Comparative evaluation of serological tests for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.

Sensitivity and specificity of the direct agglutination (DAT) and indirect immunofluorescent test (IFT) have been compared with indirect immunoperoxidase assay (IPA) for the serodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. IPA and DAT were found to be more sensitive and specific than IFT. Indirect immunoperoxidase test was found to be better than DAT as preparation of antigen is easy. Less amount of antigen is required, storage of antigen in slide form is more convenient and shelf life is longer. It is easier to read and interpret immunoperoxidase with the help of ordinary light microscope and chances of false positive and false negatives are negligible.