Leishmaniasis in Brazil XXIII: the identification of Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis in wild-caught neotropical sandflies using monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

Using the indirect immunofluorescence test natural flagellate infections of wild-caught sandflies, from the Serra dos Carajás region of Pará State, Brazil, were identified by sequentially staining smears made from the infected flies with monoclonal antibodies. With normal methods of isolation 30% of the infections were identifiable, but when monoclonal antibodies specific to Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis were used a further 26% were identified. The staining of organisms in smears of natural infections was different from that seen with culture forms and with forms from experimentally infected wild flies. A monoclonal antibody previously thought to be specific for Leishmania did not react with culture forms of Endotrypanum, but did react with those of monoxenous insect parasites.