Field evaluation of a rapid immunochromatographic dipstick test for the diagnosis of cholera in a high-risk population.
BACKGROUND
Early detection of cholera outbreaks is crucial for the implementation of the most appropriate control strategies.


METHODS
The performance of an immunochromatographic dipstick test (Institute Pasteur, Paris, France) specific for Vibrio cholerae O1 was evaluated in a prospective study in Beira, Mozambique, during the 2004 cholera season (January-May). Fecal specimens were collected from 391 patients with acute watery nonbloody diarrhea and tested by dipstick and conventional culture.


RESULTS
The overall sensitivity and specificity of the rapid test compared to culture were 95% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 91%-99%) and 89% (95% CI: 86%-93%), respectively. After stratification by type of sample (rectal swab/bulk stool) and severity of diarrhea, the sensitivity ranged between 85% and 98% and specificity between 77% and 97%.


CONCLUSIONS
This one-step dipstick test performed well in the diagnosis of V. cholerae O1 in a setting with seasonal outbreaks where rapid tests are most urgently needed.
Wang
Xuan-Yi
XY
The International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Korea. xywang@ivi.int
Ansaruzzaman
M
M
Vaz
Raul
R
Mondlane
Catarina
C
Lucas
Marcelino E S
ME
von Seidlein
Lorenz
L
Deen
Jacqueline L
JL
Ampuero
Sonia
S
Puri
Mahesh
M
Park
Taesung
T
Nair
G B
GB
Clemens
John D
JD
Chaignat
Claire-Lise
CL
Rajerison
Minoarisoa
M
Nato
Farida
F
Fournier
Jean-Michel
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002771:Cholera / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009073:Mozambique; D012306:Risk; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity