Leishmania - IgG antibody

Visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala azar, is a parasitic infection transmitted by the bite of infected sandflies. It primarily affects the liver, spleen, and bone marrow and can cause prolonged fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and enlarged organs. If left untreated, the disease can become severe and life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

The Leishmania - IgG antibody test detects immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies produced by the immune system in response to Leishmania infection. IgG antibodies typically appear a few weeks after infection and may persist in the body for months or years. Their presence indicates past infection or exposure, making this test useful in identifying previous infection and supporting clinical evaluation.

This test is often recommended for individuals with symptoms suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis, those living in or traveling to endemic areas, or people with unexplained fever, weight loss, or organ enlargement. Due to IgG persistence, it has limited utility for monitoring disease progression or treatment response. 

The doctor may advise this test if there is a history of fever of unknown origin, prolonged fatigue, anemia, or suspected exposure to kala azar.

No special preparation is needed before taking this test. But it is important to inform the doctor about any medications being taken or any recent infections, as these can affect the results. During the test, details such as the specimen type, collection site, clinical history, and the clinician’s contact number are also required for accurate reporting and notification.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Do not self- diagnose and always consult a doctor to understand the test results correctly.

Please note: This is an outsourced test. The sample is collected by TATA 1MG and processed at a NABL accredited partnered lab.