Aldehyde Chopra Test For Kala Azar

The leishmania parasite is a protozoan microorganism commonly present in female sand flies. Individuals who get bitten by such organisms develop a disease called leishmaniasis. While there are different sub-types of the condition based on its manifestation, its most severe form is visceral leishmaniasis.

Also called Kala Azar or black fever, this medical condition is initially asymptomatic. However, after 2 to 6 months, a few clinical indicators begin to show. Some examples of the same include:

• Persistent fever 
• Physical weakness
• Drastic weight loss
• Swelling around the lymph nodes
• Excessive bleeding from wounds
• Enlargement in the liver and spleen 
• Recurrent infections due to a compromised immune system

Additionally, individuals suffering from Kala Azar may develop sores. Dermal issues resulting from such a disease can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement if affected individuals do not manage the symptoms effectively.

More concerning is the manner in which Kala Azar causes immune system and organ damage. Besides affecting the liver and the spleen, the parasites formed during the infection often migrate to the bone marrow. This causes a severe reduction in blood cell production and leads to the manifestation of typical anaemic symptoms.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, visceral leishmaniasis will eventually be fatal. In most cases, affected individuals die within two years of getting infected if they do not receive medical attention.

The Aldehyde Chopra Test offered by Apollo 24|7 can screen for such diseases. Consequently, positive assay results can facilitate effective treatment at the earliest opportunity.

While there are other methods to diagnose the condition, most medical professionals employ this specific type of Kala Azar test as an initial diagnostic tool. However, since the assay involves a qualitative assessment of antibodies, the results may be non-specific in a few cases.

Testers coat an immunochromatographic strip with a recombinant antigen (K39) and an immobilized protein antibody. Subsequently, another protein conjugate acts as a detection agent and determines the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Following this, lab technicians add 20 mcL of the patient's specimen to the strip.

Simultaneously, a control test strip goes through the same procedure, albeit without getting introduced to the patient sample.

The results are then established by comparing the appearances of both strips. If antibody presence is detected, the subject is diagnosed with visceral leishmaniasis.

Conversely, negative Aldehyde Chopra Test results do not necessarily indicate the absence of the disease. Due to how long it takes for the infection to build, most doctors advise repeating the test after 2 to 3 weeks. Regardless of the diagnosis, supplementary medical examinations may be required to provide a comprehensive assessment.

In addition, besides non-specificity in some assay results, this specific type of Kala Azar test has a few other limitations. For instance, conditions such as malaria can produce false-positive results. Some other factors that can cause assay interferences include:

• Traces of viscous material or glycerol in the sample
• Co-existing immunosuppressant conditions such as HIV

Individuals who have recently travelled to tropical locations must opt for an Aldehyde Chopra Test to ensure they have not been infected. The leishmania parasite is known to be prominent in such destinations. Additionally, anyone who has experienced a recent bug bite or undergone blood transfusions could benefit from taking such a medical examination. Since the disease progresses quickly, early detection is the only effective way to manage the condition.