Immunological selection for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis antigens

Comparative ELISA and selective immunoblotting procedures were used in atte mpts to identify differential serological indicators of infection with the Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis complex, infection with the L. braziliens is species, and therapeutic cure of localized or mucocutaneous leishmaniasi s (LCL or MCL). Although mean ELISA absorbance values were significantly hi gher for MCL sera than for LCL sera, absorbance could not be used as a reli able indicator of the clinical form of disease. Immunoblotting profiles wer e similar with sera from MCL and LCL. Pre-adsorption with heterologous tryp anosomatid antigens indicated that recognition of antigens of about 56, 60, 66, 72, 88 and 110 kDa might be specific to the subgenus Viannia. In two-c olour, sequential, dual ELISA-based immunoblotting, no antigens recognized only by sera from MCL patients were detected. After glucan time therapy, im munoblotting profiles with LCL sera were reduced both in intensity and in t he range of antigens detected; a 104-kDa antigen was newly detected with po st-treatment LCL sera. Overall, the results show the value of differential immunological detection strategies and support the close relationship betwe en species of the subgenus Viannia but fail to indicate a prognostic antige n for MCL.