Evaluating the performance of a rapid antigen test for the detection of influenza virus in clinical specimens from children in Cameroon

Abstract

The performance of SD Bioline rapid antigen test (RAT) was evaluated using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) as gold standard. A total of 718 nasal swabs, including 102 rRT-PCR positive and 616 rRT-PCR negative swabs, were tested. RAT demonstrates a sensitivity of 29·4% with a specificity of 100%. The positivity rate of RAT was highly associated with lower cycle threshold (Ct) values (P < 0·0001). The excellent specificity of the RAT allowed for the rapid identification of influenza cases. However, negative results should be verified by rRT-PCR test because of limitations observed in sensitivity.