Accuracy of rapid test for diagnosis of hepatitis A with different infection rate settings and with predictive modeling

Future Microbiol. 2019 Feb:14:247-258. doi: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0211. Epub 2019 Jan 21.

Abstract

Aim: We evaluated the accuracy of a commercial rapid immunochromatographic test (rapid test [RT]) for hepatitis A (HA) diagnosis and epidemiological studies.

Materials & methods: The accuracy of a RT was evaluated in laboratory and in field conditions. Predictive modeling estimated the test performance in a hypothetical population.

Results: The RT showed sensitivities of 66-86%, and specificities of 21-100%, depending on the antibody isotype (IgM or IgG) analyzed and prevalence of infection.

Conclusion: The RT is a good alternative for diagnostic in HA outbreaks. The predictive model indicates that it should not be used alone for HA diagnosis in low prevalence populations. These data can be used in the future to strengthen decision-making during the implementation of rapid diagnostic methods in health services.

Keywords: hepatitis A antibodies; outbreak; rapid immunochromatographic test; seroepidemiology studies; vaccine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Brazil
  • Chromatography, Affinity / methods*
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Cross Reactions
  • Diagnostic Tests, Routine / methods*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • False Negative Reactions
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Health Services
  • Hepatitis A / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis A / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis A / immunology*
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Hepatitis A Vaccines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin Isotypes
  • Immunoglobulin M