BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The availability of simple diagnostic methods may contribute to more efficient control of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in developing countries. For the detection of syphilis, a simple rapid plasma reagin (RPR) "teardrop" assay for finger-prick blood samples was developed in 1962. The reliability of this test is compared with RPR, Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-Abs) assays performed on venous blood samples. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To evaluate the potential usefulness of the finger-stick RPR teardrop assay for diagnosis of syphilis in settings with poor medical resources. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women evaluated at two health centers in Pikine, Senegal were tested for STDs. The RPR teardrop assay was performed on plasma from blood samples obtained by finger prick, and standard RPR, TPHA, and FTA-Abs procedures were performed on serum obtained by vein puncture. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the finger-prick RPR teardrop assay were 69.7% and 96.5%, respectively, and its reactivity was correlated with RPR serum antibody titer. CONCLUSION: The finger-prick RPR teardrop assay is not a reliable alternative to the classic serum RPR test.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The availability of simple diagnostic methods may contribute to more efficient control of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in developing countries. For the detection of syphilis, a simple rapid plasma reagin (RPR) "teardrop" assay for finger-prick blood samples was developed in 1962. The reliability of this test is compared with RPR, Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA), and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-Abs) assays performed on venous blood samples. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To evaluate the potential usefulness of the finger-stick RPR teardrop assay for diagnosis of syphilis in settings with poor medical resources. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women evaluated at two health centers in Pikine, Senegal were tested for STDs. The RPR teardrop assay was performed on plasma from blood samples obtained by finger prick, and standard RPR, TPHA, and FTA-Abs procedures were performed on serum obtained by vein puncture. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the finger-prick RPR teardrop assay were 69.7% and 96.5%, respectively, and its reactivity was correlated with RPR serum antibody titer. CONCLUSION: The finger-prick RPR teardrop assay is not a reliable alternative to the classic serum RPR test.
Entities:
Keywords:
Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara; Comparative Studies; Demographic Factors; Developing Countries; Error Sources; Examinations And Diagnoses; False Negative Reactions; False Positive Reactions; French Speaking Africa; Hematologic Tests; Laboratory Examinations And Diagnoses; Laboratory Procedures; Measurement; Population; Population Characteristics; Pregnant Women; Reliability; Research Methodology; Research Report; Screening; Senegal; Studies; Western Africa
Authors: Roland O Swai; Geofrey R Somi G; Mecky I N Matee; Japhet Killewo; Eligius F Lyamuya; Gideon Kwesigabo; Tuhuma Tulli; Titus K Kabalimu; Lucy Ng'ang'a; Raphael Isingo; Joel Ndayongeje Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2006-04-10 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Carmen Phang Romero Casas; Marrissa Martyn-St James; Jean Hamilton; Daniel S Marinho; Rodolfo Castro; Sue Harnan Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2018-02-21 Impact factor: 2.692