Fusion proteins and their use in the diagnosis and treatment of leishmaniasis

摘要

The present invention relates generally to a fusion protein made from a synthetic gene construct comprising of elements derived from the Leishmania antigens K26, K39, and K9. The fusion protein is particularly useful in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, particularly visceral leishmaniasis in animals such as humans and dogs.

主权项

1. A diagnostic kit for detecting asymptomatic or sub-clinical visceral leishmaniasis in a biological sample selected from the group consisting of sera, blood, and saliva, comprising:
(a) an fusion polypeptide comprising Leishmania antigens K26, K39, and K9, wherein the Leishmania antigen K26 comprises a sequence having at least 98% identity to SEQ ID NO:5, the Leishmania antigen K39 comprises a sequence having at least 98% identity to SEQ ID NO:6, and the Leishmania antigen K9 comprises a sequence having at least 98% identity to SEQ ID NO:7; and (b) a detection reagent.