RESUMO
To compare and evaluate the application of indirect fluorescent antibody [IFA] and counterimmunoelectrophoresis [CIEP] for laboratory identification of visceral leishmaniasis. Materials and Serum samples from patients with malaria [Plasmodium vivax, n = 86; Plasmodium falciparum, n = 38], brucellosis [n = 26], tuberculosis [n = 31] and typhoid fever [n = 35] were examined for the presence of antibody to Leishmaniainfantum antigen using IFA and CIEP tests. Using IFA, false-positive results were malaria [P. vivax 19.8%, P. falciparum 13.2%], tuberculosis [6.4%], brucellosis [3.8%], and typhoid fever [2.8%]. Using CIEP, a lower percentage of false-positives was observed only among malaria patients [P. vivax 2.3%, P. falciparum 2.6%]. Serum samples from patients with other infectious diseases were negative in the CIEP test. Based on the results of this study, the CIEP technique is recommended for immunodiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis, especially in regions where malaria, brucellosis and tuberculosis are prevalent