GENE LC36, PROTEÍNA RECOMBINANTE RLC36, USO DA MESMA E MÉTODO PARA DIAGNOSTICAR LEISHMANIOSES, PREFERENCIALMENTE, LEISHMANIOSE VISCERAL CANINA

The aim of the present invention is to characterize the L. chagasi Lc36 gene in terms of antigenic potential, for subsequent validation and use of the associated product, the rLc36 recombinant protein, in diagnostic tests for leishmaniases, preferably canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Said protein can be used in the biotechnology sector as a component of diagnostic kits for detecting CVL IgG antibodies by means of immunoenzymatic assays. In addition to an ELISA, said assays can be performed by adsorption of the recombinant protein on other solid substrates and using various detection systems, including agglutination tests, immunochromatography, immunofluorescence, western blot, dot blot and biosensor. Said recombinant protein can also be used for producing vaccines. The present technology could be used in the composition of a novel diagnostic kit for CVL which is more sensitive and specific than currently available technologies.