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Journal Article
|Research

High sensitivity and specificity of the Pastorex latex agglutination test for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A during a clinical trial in Niger

Borel T, Rose AMC, Guillerm M, Sidikou F, Gerstl S, Djibo A, Nathan N, Chanteau S, Guerin PJ
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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.

Subject Area

disease surveillance

Languages

English
DOI
10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.03.002
Published Date
01 Oct 2006
PubMed ID
16730766
Journal
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 100, Issue 10
Issue Date
2006-10-01
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High sensitivity and specificity of the Pastorex latex agglutination test for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A during a clinical trial in Niger | Journal Article / Research | MSF Science Portal