title: High sensitivity and specificity of the Pastorex latex agglutination test for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A during a clinical trial in Niger.
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.
authors.affiliation: Epicentre, 8 rue St Sabin, 75011 Paris, France.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Borel
authors.forename: A M C
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guillerm
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sidikou
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gerstl
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Djibo
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nathan
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chanteau
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Guerin
mesh_terms: D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests / Q000592:standards*; D008585:Meningitis, Meningococcal / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009548:Niger; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000592:standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity