Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by sand flies, which is fatal in most cases if left untreated. It is endemic in about 60 countries and is spreading further north in the course of climatic changes and the associated spread of mosquitoes from tropical and subtropical areas. Infected dogs also represent a large reservoir of the pathogen.
The working group led by Prof. Steinhoff developed and evaluated antigens suitable for the development of rapid diagnostic tests. A rapid immunochromatographic test was developed as part of the exploratory project on the basis of these antigens, which can be used in both human and veterinary medicine.
A prototype has already been produced.