Evaluation of a Rapid IgG4 Lateral Flow Dipstick Test to Detect Strongyloides stercoralis Infection in Northeast Thailand

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Jul 8;105(3):688-691. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0317.

Abstract

Strongyloides stercoralis affects more than half a billion people worldwide, and hyperinfection in immunocompromised patients can be fatal. Elimination of this neglected tropical disease requires field-applicable diagnostic tools. We conducted a laboratory evaluation of a lateral flow rapid dipstick test (SsRapid™) using sera samples from a Strongyloides-endemic area in northeast Thailand. Group 1 was S. stercoralis-positive and larvae- and/or antibody-positive (according to the IgG ELISA) (N = 100). Group 2 had negative fecal examination and IgG ELISA results (N = 25). Group 3 had other parasitic infections and negative IgG ELISA results (N = 25). The results showed good diagnostic sensitivity (82%) and excellent specificity (96%). Suggested improvements in the SsRapid™ test include increased diagnostic sensitivity and conversion to the more robust cassette format. Field studies should be performed as well.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / blood
  • Antibodies, Helminth / immunology*
  • Feces / parasitology
  • Helminth Proteins
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Serologic Tests
  • Strongyloides stercoralis / immunology*
  • Strongyloidiasis / blood
  • Strongyloidiasis / diagnosis*
  • Thailand

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Helminth Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Recombinant Proteins