Development of a field-usable diagnostic device for the detection of Leishmania parasites in Sand flies.

VecTOR Test Systems, Inc. will develop and produce the VecTOR Leishmania antigen assay, a field usable assay for detection of Leishmania parasites in sand fly vectors. Development of a field-usable assay for the detection of Leishmania parasites in sand flies would allow for the accurate assessment of the leishmaniasis threat. This information could then be used to implement an effective sand fly control program. The proposed assays will be performed in a rapid, one-step immuno-chromatographic process for detection and identification of various Leishmania sp such as L. major, L donovani, and other epidemiologically relevant species in vectoring sand-flies. The technology is based on the simple and reliable wicking immuno-chromatographic detection method by which sensitive test-strip based assays provide results in less than 30 minutes. During Phase II, a sufficient number of tests will be produced for laboratory and field evaluations. The proposed dipstick assays can be stored ambiently, transported and used without any loss in performance for over 18 months. The proposed assay system is simple to use and interpret, and developed rugged to be effective in adverse environment.