Abstract
The standard method for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis, stool examinations, is inconvenient and, therefore, serological methods have been proposed. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of serological assays for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis using a systematic review and meta-analysis model. Four electronic databases were reviewed. We used a random effects model and 95% CIs to determine the overall sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). Heterogeneity was intended with Cochran Q χ2 test and I2 statistic. The accuracy of serological assays resulted in a sensitivity of 71.7% (95% CI: 56.07 to 83.4%), a specificity of 89.9% (95% CI: 80.8 to 94.9%) and a DOR of 22.5 (95% CI: 10.8 to 46.9). The forest plot showed high heterogeneity regarding sensitivity (I2=90.4%, 95% CI: 87.4 to 93.3%; Q=228.1, p=0.000) and specificity (I2=98.9%, 95% CI: 98.8 to 99.1%; Q=2066.4, p=0.000). Fagan's nomogram showed that the probability of someone having the infection and with a positive test result was 49%. Deeks' funnel plots showed no evidence of potential publication bias for the studies (p=0.26). The current review suggests that serological techniques have acceptable sensitivity and specificity and therefore can be recommended for the screening of S. stercoralis infection.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.