[Cutaneous South-American Leishmaniasis. Parasitological and serological diagnosis by indirect immunofluorescence and enzyme linked immunoassay (ELISA). 94 cases].

A parasitological (direct test and culture) and serological (IIF and ELISA) survey was carried out in 94 soldiers infested by a cutaneous South American leishmaniasis during a training in the guyanese forest. 52 p.c of the parasitological tests were positive, direct test being much more sensitive than cultures. By this technique, Leishmania Viannia guyanensis was detected 8 times, and Leishmania Viannia braziliensis twice. I.I.F. was negative in all cases because the utilization of a non-homologous antigen in the promastigote form and of the condition of its preparation. ELISA test utilizing the same antigen in a soluble form was specific and its sensitivity was 52 p.c. This technique was positive in 52 p.c of the cases, corroborating some diagnosis for which parasitological test was negative. 66 p.c of the total cases were confirmed.