Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6137651 | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene | 2006 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
There is a great need for a rapid diagnostic test to guide vaccine choice during outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis in resource-poor countries. During a randomised clinical trial conducted during an epidemic of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A in Niger in 2003, the sensitivity and specificity of the Pastorex® latex agglutination test for this serogroup under optimal field conditions were assessed, using culture and/or PCR as the gold standard. Results from 484 samples showed a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI 85-91%) and a specificity of 93% (95% CI 90-95%). Pastorex® could be a good alternative to current methods, as it can be performed in a local laboratory with rapid results and is highly specific. Sensitivity can be improved with prior microscopy where feasible. A study specifically to evaluate the Pastorex® test under epidemic conditions, using laboratories with limited resources, is recommended.
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Authors
T. Borel, A.M.C. Rose, M. Guillerm, F. Sidikou, S. Gerstl, A. Djibo, N. Nathan, S. Chanteau, P.J. Guerin,