High sensitivity and specificity of the Pastorex latex agglutination test for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A during a clinical trial in Niger.

T. Borel (1) , A. M. C. Rose (1) , M. Guillerm (2) , F. Sidikou (3) , S. Gerstl (1) , A. Djibo (4) , N. Nathan (1) , S. Chanteau (3) , P. J. Guerin (1)

1 Epicentre [Paris] [Médecins Sans Frontières]
2 Médecins sans Frontières
3 CERMES - Centre de Recherche Médicale et Sanitaire (Niamey, Niger)
4 Ministère de la santé publique et de la lutte contre les endémies

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.

Domains: Life Sciences [q-bio]; Microbiology and Parasitology; Virology

T. Borel, A. M. C. Rose, M. Guillerm, F. Sidikou, S. Gerstl, et al.. High sensitivity and specificity of the Pastorex latex agglutination test for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A during a clinical trial in Niger.. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 2006, 100 (10), pp.964-9. ⟨10.1016/j.trstmh.2006.03.002⟩. ⟨pasteur-00561847⟩