Evaluation of a novel kit (TF-Test) for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitic infections.
Intestinal parasitic infections are currently a source of concern for Public Health agencies in developing and developed countries. Since three ovum-and-parasite stool examinations have been demonstrated to provide sensitive results, we designed a practical and economical kit (TF-Test) that is now commercially available (Immunoassay Com. Ind. Ltda., São Paulo, Brazil). This kit allows the separate collection of three fecal specimens into a preservative solution. The specimens are then pooled, double-filtered, and concentrated by a single rapid centrifugation process. The TF-Test was evaluated in four different laboratories in a study using 1,102 outpatients and individuals living in an endemic area for enteroparasitosis. The overall sensitivity found using the TF-Test (86.2-97.8%) was significantly higher (P<0.01) than the sensitivity of conventional techniques such as the Coprotest (NL Comércio Exterior Ltda, São Paulo, Brazil) and the combination of Lutz/Hoffman, Faust, and Rugai techniques (De Carli, Diagnóstico Laboratorial das Parasitoses Humanas. Métodos e Técnicas, 1994), which ranged from 48.3% to 75.9%. When the above combined three specimen technique was repeated with three specimens collected on different days, its sensitivity became similar (P>0.01) to that of the TF-Test. The kappa index values of agreement for the TF-Test were consistent (P<0.01), being higher and ranking in a better position than conventional techniques. The high sensitivity, cost/benefit ratio, and practical aspects demonstrate that the TF-Test is suitable for individual diagnosis, epidemiological inquiries, or evaluation of chemotherapy in treated communities.
Gomes
Jancarlo Ferreira
JF
Department of Clinical Parasitology, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
Hoshino-Shimizu
Sumie
S
Dias
Luiz Cândido S
LC
Araujo
Ana Júlia S A
AJ
Castilho
Vera L P
VL
Neves
Fátima A M A
FA
D001938:Brazil; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D007118:Immunoassay / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007411:Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000469:parasitology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity