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- Title
Evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic test for the diagnosis of intestinal protozoan infections among patients attending a rural outreach outpatient department in Northern India.
- Authors
Khan, Salman; Das, Arghya; Nandal, Mukesh; Vashisth, Deepali; Vidyarthi, Ashima Jain; Mirdha, Bijay Ranjan
- Abstract
Despite great efforts, intestinal protozoan infections remain a significant healthcare concern worldwide. Although many point-of-care (POC) tests are increasingly being used, microscopic examination of stool specimens remains the mainstay for their diagnosis, especially in resource-limited settings. We assessed the utility of rapid POC tests based on immunochromatography among patients from rural Northern India. A total of 78 patients were enrolled in the study. Out of nine specimens that tested positive for Giardia duodenalis on microscopy, an immunochromatographic test (ICT) could detect only five (55.55%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was demonstrated in two specimens on microscopy, both of which were missed by ICT. Its overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value were 50%, 98.5%, 83.3%, and 93%, respectively. Its performance was considered unsatisfactory. Although ICT-based tests provide a relatively rapid and less labor-intensive alternative, they should be used to supplement and not replace stool microscopy.
- Publication
Tropical Doctor, 2024, Vol 54, Issue 2, p108
- ISSN
0049-4755
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/00494755231219527