Dual-path platform (DPP) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): Change the sequence of the tests does not change the number of positive dogs for canine visceral leishmaniasis

The Brazilian Ministry of Health determined in 2012 that the official protocol for diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis (CVL) would be the Dual-Path Platform (DPP) for screening, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for confirmation. This study evaluated serum samples from 426 dogs from a region in northern Brazil. All samples were tested according to the Official Protocol and the sequence inverting (ELISA followed DPP). Regardless of the protocol adopted, prevalence (14.7%) has not changed. The approach using ELISA followed by DPP state that, the number of positive animals in screening was higher compared to the official protocol. Screen the ELISA test could be more appropriate. Key words: Canine visceral leishmaniasis, Dual-Path Platform (DPP), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), tocantins.