Develop Field-usable Diagnostic Devices for the Specific Detection of Leishmania Major and L. Infantum in Sand Flies

VecTOR Test Systems, Inc. proposes to develop an assay to quickly determine, in a non-laboratory and minimal resource environment, whether sand flies collected in specific areas of a military deployment are infected with either L. major or L. infantum. The proposed assays will be performed in a rapid, one-step immuno-chromatographic process for detection of Leishmania sp such as L. major, and L infantum in infected sand-flies. These are the most ubiquitous species of Leishmania found in many parts of the mid-east. Leishmania is not prevented by vaccines or prophylactic drugs so prevention relies on personal protective measures and vector control measures that need to be targeted to be effective at reducing disease risk. The proposed dipstick assays will provide results within 30 minutes and will be stable at ambient storage conditions. Assays developed in similar format for other arthropod vectors e.g. the mosquito vector for detection of Malaria circumsporozoite proteins, WNV, SLE, EEE, and WEE and have found commercial application. The development of easy to use tests will be important for detection of pathogens of military importance and will be useful in the commercial sector for vector surveillance and control programs.