(1). Sophisticated laboratory
methods, although sensitive, are
costly. The immunochromatographic
strip test that uses recombinant K39
antigen (rK39), although satisfactory
in India, is less sensitive in Africa,
Latin America, and Mediterranean
regions (2). Post–kala-azar dermal
leishmaniasis (PKDL), a sequel
to VL in India and Africa, is often
confused with other skin diseases
(3,4). Diagnosis of VL in dogs in
Latin America and Mediterranean
countries remains confusing because
of rampant asymptomatic infections
and elevated antibodies against
Leishmania spp. (5)