SUMMARYWe developed an ELISA test using leishmania antigenic extracts to detect anti gen-specific antibiidy responses, including subclass ;tnd isotype analysis, in visceral leishtnaniasis (VL) patients Prom Ihe Sudan. A total of ^2 parasitologicLtlly proven patients were cotnpared with cutaneous Icishmaniiisis. schistosomiasis, malaria, onchucerciasis and tuberculosis patients, as well as with healthy endemic and non-endemic controls. Some VL patients were exiimined before and alter chemotherapy. VL patients showed significantly higher IgG responses compared wilh all other groups (93-4% sensitivity. 9^7"^, specifieity). and higher (but not signiticantly) IgM responses. All grotips showed low IgA levels. All IgG subclasses. IgGl. 2. 3. and 4. showed higher levels in patients than all other groups, with IgG I and igG3 levels being significantly reduced following treatment. The rank order for specifieity and sensitivity for IgG subclasses was IgG3 > IgG I > IgG2 > lgG4-