The present invention relates to isolated Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) antigens that are useful in therapeutic and vaccine compositions for stimulating a VL specific immunological response. The identified antigens are also useful in diagnostic assays to determine the presence of active VL in an individual. Combinations of antibodies raised against these antigens are especially useful in detection of VL infections. Accordingly, the present invention includes polypeptide molecules, nucleic acid molecules, vaccine compositions, diagnostic assays, and methods of diagnosis and monitoring treatment related to these VL antigens.
