Molecular diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis through the technique of probe gold nanoparticles (AuNPprobes).

The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic methods of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL), using the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), the probe Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPprobes) and PCR in liver samples. We analyzed 25 samples of animals positive by IFA and 10 samples from animals negative to PCR. The probe AUNP used was based on specific sequence for Leishmania infantum kDNA. The results showed that when compared to the IFA sorology the AuNPprobe showed a sensitivity and specificity of 56% and 80%, respectively. When compared to PCR method, the AuNPprobe had a sensitivity of 68% and specificity of 81%. The AuNPprobe can be an alternative to traditional diagnostic methods (PCR and IFA) due to its ease of implementation, immediate result, low cost and little need for laboratory infrastructure.