Multisite validation of cryptococcal antigen lateral flow assay and quantification by laser thermal contrast
David R Boulware, Melissa A Rolfes, Radha Rajasingham, Maximilian von Hohenberg, Zhenpeng Qin, Kabanda Taseera, Charlotte Schutz, Richard Kwizera, Elissa K Butler, Graeme Meintjes, Conrad Muzoora, John C Bischof, David B Meya, David R Boulware, Melissa A Rolfes, Radha Rajasingham, Maximilian von Hohenberg, Zhenpeng Qin, Kabanda Taseera, Charlotte Schutz, Richard Kwizera, Elissa K Butler, Graeme Meintjes, Conrad Muzoora, John C Bischof, David B Meya
Abstract
Cryptococcal meningitis is common in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the need for data for a rapid, point-of-care cryptococcal antigen (CRAG) lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFA), we assessed diagnostic performance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, CRAG latex agglutination, India ink microscopy, and CRAG LFA for 832 HIV-infected persons with suspected meningitis during 2006-2009 (n = 299) in Uganda and during 2010-2012 (n = 533) in Uganda and South Africa. CRAG LFA had the best performance (sensitivity 99.3%, specificity 99.1%). Culture sensitivity was dependent on CSF volume (82.4% for 10 μL, 94.2% for 100 μL). CRAG latex agglutination test sensitivity (97.0%-97.8%) and specificity (85.9%-100%) varied between manufacturers. India ink microscopy was 86% sensitive. Laser thermal contrast had 92% accuracy (R = 0.91, p<0.001) in quantifying CRAG titers from 1 LFA strip to within <1.5 dilutions of actual CRAG titers. CRAG LFA is a major advance for meningitis diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
Keywords: Cryptococcus spp.; HIV; India ink microscopy; South Africa; Uganda; cerebrospinal fluid; cryptococcal antigen; cryptococcal antigen latex agglutination; cryptococcal meningitis; culture; diagnostic techniques; fungi; laser thermal contrast measurement; lateral flow immunochromatographic assay; point-of-care systems; sensitivity; specificity; validation studies.
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References
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