Immunochromatographic Assay Kit Research Articles

An exceptionally large wave of M. pneumoniae infections among children in Tianjin post COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a persistent lowering of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae), which is commonly found in children with respiratory tract infections (RTIs). However, in 2023, we observed an unusually high number of M. pneumoniae infections among children from Tianjin, the second largest city in northern China. This study sought to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of children with RTIs caused by M. pneumoniae in northern China post COVID-19, in order to provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Between January 2019 and December 2023, a total of 78,886 children with respiratory infections from General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University were included in this study. A rapid immunochromatographic assay kit was used to test for M. pneumoniae specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) in these patients. The relevant clinical data of M. pneumoniae-positive cases were also collected, and analyzed by SPSS software. Out of the 78,886 samples collected, a total of 11,268 tested positive for M. pneumoniae specific-IgM antibody. The average positive rate was 14.3% in the past 5 years. In the year 2023 alone, there were 5,870 M. Pneumoniae positive cases, surpassing the combined count from the previous 4 years. The incidence of M. pneumoniae had significantly surged since September 2023, peaking at 1,717 cases in November 2023, with a notable surge during the fourth quarter. The prevalence of M. pneumoniae infection was primarily observed among children aged 4-6 years and 7-9 years both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, a noticeable increase was observed among children aged 10-14 years after the pandemic ended. Boys exhibited a lower positive rate (13.19%) compared to girls (15.56%). In addition, the proportion of pneumonia cases in 2023 was significantly higher than that in previous years (P<0.001). Our study revealed that following a prolonged global lowering of M. pneumoniae since the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant outbreak had emerged in northern China since September 2023. The proportion of M. pneumoniae positive children in the older age group increased in 2023 compared to that observed in 2019. Additionally, there was an increase in the proportion of pneumonia among M. pneumoniae positive cases in 2023 compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period.

Validation of an immunochromatographic assay kit based on colored latex particles for the identification of the canine visceral leishmaniasis

Visceral leishmaniasis is a zoonotic infectious disease with a severe impact on humans and animals. Infection is transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies. The dogs are main reservoir for human infection. A rapid and accurate diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis is essential for an efficient surveillance program. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a rapid immunochromatographic strip test based on functionalized colored particles and a new recombinant antigenic protein, as a visual “in situ” method for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. The results were evaluated using an in-house ELISA assay with the same antigen. Both tests produced concordant results and the immunochromatographic strip test showed good diagnostic sensitivity (98%) and specificity (95%). Finally, meta-analysis was used to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the here developed test with the results of commercial immunochromatographic strip tests obtained from literature.

The Prevalence of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Among Children in Beijing Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is an important pathogen of community acquired pneumonia. With the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the prevalence of some infectious respiratory diseases has varied. Epidemiological features of M. pneumoniae in children from Beijing (China) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated.MethodsBetween June 2016 and May 2021, a total of 569,887 children with respiratory infections from Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics (Beijing, China) were included in this study. M. pneumoniae specific-IgM antibody in serum specimens of these patients was tested by a rapid immunochromatographic assay kit. The relevant clinical data of M. pneumoniae-positive cases were also collected, and analyzed by RStudio software.ResultsThe results showed that 13.08% of collected samples were positive for M. pneumoniae specific-IgM antibody. The highest annual positive rate was 17.59% in 2019, followed by 12.48% in 2018, 12.31% in 2017, and 11.73% in 2016, while the rate dropped to 8.9% in 2020 and 4.95% in 2021, with significant difference. Among the six years, the positive rates in summer and winter seasons were significantly higher than those in spring and autumn seasons (p < 0.001). The positive rate was the highest in school-age children (22.20%), and lowest in the infant group (8.76%, p < 0.001). The positive rate in boys (11.69%) was lower than that in girls (14.80%, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in different seasons, age groups, or genders before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (p > 0.05).ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that an M. pneumoniae outbreak started from the summer of 2019 in Beijing. After the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in the end of 2019, the M. pneumoniae positive rates dropped dramatically. This may be due to the restrictive measures of the COVID-19 pandemic, which effectively controlled the transmission of M. pneumoniae. The relationships between M. pneumoniae positive rates and season, age, and gender were not statistically significant before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV- 2 Antibodies among Health Care Workers: Kasr Al Ainy Screening Study

Abstract Background: Egypt is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in all aspects of life: Health, economy and socially. Serological survey for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies is a valuable method to assess the extent of spread of the pandemic especially in healthcare workers (HCW), and to detect asymptomatic cases. Aim of Study: This research aims at proving the usefulness of SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection to identify and isolate infected individuals among HCW. Results may be employed as a surrogate to economize the use of RT-PCR evaluation and to make executive decision limiting viral spread among medical personnel in Kasr Al Ainy hospitals. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study has included 897 HCW from multiple frontline and susceptible services within Kasr Al Ainy, Cairo University Hospitals. HCW were subjected to wide screening to study the presence of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody responses (IgG and IgM) by Electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay tests and Lateral Flow Immunochromatographic assay (Rapid detection test) kits. Results: Our screening program has revealed 105 positive cases which accounts for 11.7% of the screened group. Of those, 33 (31.4%) were symptomatic and 72 (68.6%) were asymptomatic. Conclusion: The use of COVID-19 antibody testing for HCW can provide crucial information that might prevent further propagation of infection among HCW and their patients. Further research is warranted to provide evidence related to wide implementation of screening programs for HCW and to provide clear guidelines related to specifics of such programs.

Role of rotavirus vaccination on G9P[8] rotavirus strain during a seasonal outbreak in Japan

ABSTRACT Although two live oral rotavirus (RV) vaccines, Rotarix and RotaTeq, play a critical role toward reducing disease severity, hospitalization, and death rate in RV infections, regular monitoring of vaccine effectiveness (VE) is yet necessary because the segmented genome structure and reassortment capability of RVs pose considerable threats toward waning VE. In this study, we examined the VE by a test-negative study design against G9P[8]I2 strain during a seasonal outbreak in February–May, 2018, in an outpatient clinic in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It remains important because G9P[8]I2 strain remains partially heterotypic to these vaccines and predominating in post-vaccination era. During year-long surveillance, RV infections were detected only from February to May. During this outbreak, 33 (42.3%) children out of 78 with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) remained RV-positive, of which 29 (87.8%) children were infected with G9P[8]I2. Two immunochromatographic (IC) assay kits exhibited 100% sensitivity and specificity to detect G9P[8]I2 strain. Only 23.2% children were found to be vaccinated. Yet, significant VE 69.7% (95% CI: 2.5%-90.6%) was recognized against all RV strains that increased with disease severity. Similar significant VE 71.8% (95% CI: 1%-92%) was determined against G9P[8]I2 strain. The severity score remained substantially low in vaccinated children. Our data reveal that vaccine-preventable G9P[8]I2 strain yet may cause outbreak where vaccination coverage remains low. Thus, this study emphasizes the necessity of global introduction of RV-vaccines in national immunization programs of every country.

Validation of a lateral flow immunochromatographic assay for tinea unguium diagnosis.

Tinea unguium is a common nail disease caused by dermatophytes. Although direct potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy and fungal culture are considered the gold standard for diagnosing this disease, their accuracy is insufficient. A lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) kit, using a monoclonal antibody against Trichophyton rubrum, was developed and its sensitivity was recently improved 50% in vitro relative to its earlier version. The present study aimed to validate the clinical utility of this improved LFIA kit for diagnosing tinea unguium in comparison with direct KOH microscopy. A similar trial was simultaneously performed using scale samples from patients with tinea pedis to determine the assay's diagnostic potential. Nail samples, approximately 2mg in weight, were collected from 112 non-treated tinea unguium patients and 56 non-tinea unguium patients. Samples from 25 tinea pedis patients and 20 non-tinea pedis patients were also collected. The sensitivity and specificity of the LFIA kit for tinea unguium was 84.8% (95/112) (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.8-90.9) and 83.9% (47/56) (95% CI, 71.7-92.4), respectively. The inconsistency rate was 15.5% (26/168) (95% CI, 10.4-21.9). The sensitivity and specificity of the LFIA kit for tinea pedis was 84.0% (21/25) and 100.0% (20/20), respectively. These results suggest that for diagnosing tinea unguium, the LFIA kit is a useful supplement to, but not a replacement for, direct KOH microscopy. For definitive diagnosis of suspected cases, appropriate sampling, repeated examinations, and a combination of diagnostic techniques are essential.

Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of developed rapid SARS-COV-2 IgG antibody test kit using novel diluent system.

Immunochromatographic assay kits are used in primary diagnostics which is based on the principle of antigen and antibody interaction. These kits play pivotal role in rapid surveillance of infectious diseases at early stages as well as for the surveillance of the contagious diseases. The immunochromatographic test kits lacks sensitivity and specificity with certain diseases. In this study, our intention was to develop a rapid test kit for SARS-COV-2 with a novel diluent system to enhance the efficacy of antigen–antibody binding and thereby the improvement in the sensitivity outlined. Finally, IgG antibodies against SARS-COV-2 virus peptides were analyzed using 25 positive and 25 negative confirmed clinical samples. The sensitivity of the clinical studies showed 91% sensitivity and 100% specificity. Therefore, the authors propose that this assay will be a potential tool for efficient community or sentinel surveillance of SARS-COV-2 infection and additionally, for effective monitoring of convalescent sera therapy.

Comparison of an Immunochromatographic Assay Kit with DAS-ELISA for Large-Scale Diagnosis and Molecular Discrimination of Satsuma Dwarf Virus Collected from Citrus Orchards

Satsuma dwarf virus (SDV) seriously damages citrus production by reducing the quality and yield of fruit. To avoid contamination with SDV, mother trees are checked to be SDV-free in advance of nursery tree distribution. In this study, we compared an immunochromatographic assay (ICA) kit with double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DASELISA) for large-scale diagnosis of SDV in orchardgrown trees in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The two methods gave conflicting results for 11 of 1,705 samples, all of which were negative by DAS-ELISA but positive by ICA. The samples scored as positive by either DASELISA or ICA were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and all were confirmed to be positive. These results validate the use of ICA as a screening method for large-scale diagnosis. Strain discrimination revealed that 16 of 22 isolates belonged to SDV, while citrus mosaic virus (CiMV) infection only and co-infection (SDV and CiMV) were in a minority.

Performance Characteristics of Urine HIV Screening Methods against Blood-Based Methods for Surgeons Guide

Testing for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa since it is mainly invasive but, could be non-invasive and quick also, reducing waiting time especially when required for presurgical procedures. This study determined the HIV status of patients using Urine screening test method and to compare its performance to blood-based testing methods. The routine pre and post-test counselling for HIV screening were done for all provider-initiated HIV testing using blood-based screening methods. Due to the cost and unavailability of enough urine testing kits, only patients who tested positive for HIV with blood-based methods and were scheduled for surgery or a surgical procedure were enrolled in the study. Informed consent was obtained. Paired urine and blood samples were collected at the same visit into clean universal bottles and analyzed immediately. A colloidal gold enhanced rapid immuno-chromatographic assay (Alliance Biomedical) kit for the rapid qualitative detection of antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) I and II in urine were used in comparison to the standard HIV testing of ante-cubital venous blood collected in EDTA vacutainer and analyzed using Determine (T) HIV 1 and 2 in vitro qualitative immunoassay strip, UNI GOLD rapid test kit and the Chembio HIV 1/2 STAT PAK assay strip. A total of 7568 patients were tested for routine provider-initiated HIV testing, 521 tested HIV positive. There were 105 (20.15%) males and 416 (79.85%) females, age ranged from 15 years to >80 years. Most of the surgeries performed were Caesarian section 93 (37%), Hernia 55 (22%), Lumps 48 (19%), Acute appendicitis 33 (13%), Uterine fibroids 10 (4%), Ruptured ectopic pregnancy 2 (1%) and others (Intestinal obstruction, Postoperative adhesions, Ingrown toe nails, Breast abscess, Hemorrhoids, Anal fissures etc.) 10 (4%). DETERMINE RAPID HIV TEST METHOD USING BLOOD: A total of 521 HIV positive samples were tested, 502 (96.35%) tested HIV positive and 19 (3.65%) tested HIV negative. These 19 HIV negatives were re-tested with Stak Pak: 19 (100%) tested HIV positive. UNI GOLD HIV TEST METHOD USING BLOOD: A total of 521 HIV positive samples were tested, 521 (100%) tested HIV positive. URINE TESTING METHOD: A total of 251 (48.18%) of the 521 HIV positive patients were scheduled to undergo a surgical procedure. These were re-tested using the Urine testing method, 235 (93.63%) tested HIV positive while 16 (6.37%) tested negative. The blood sample of the 16 who tested negative using the Urine testing method was subjected to confirmatory test using Stat Pak and all 16 (100%) tested HIV positive. The specificity for Unigold and Determine blood testing was 100%. All three tests had a Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 100% while the Negative Predictive Values (NPV) were 100% and 99.73% for Unigold and Determine respectively. The use of Urine HIV testing method compared well to the blood HIV testing methods and could be a better non-invasive sample method for screening of HIV/AIDS in the population especially among surgeons’ pre-surgical procedures.

Norovirus Infection among Children Under 5 Years of Age In Niger-Delta Zone, Nigeria

Background: Norovirus is now recognized as a major cause of gastroenteritis among children worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Norovirus infection among children that are less than five years of age in Niger-Delta zone, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 263 subjects consisted of 163 children with diarrhea attending Paediat-ric clinics at the Central Hospital, Warri and Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa as well as 100 aged- and sex-matched healthy individuals that served as controls were recruited for this study. Demographic information was obtained through the aid of a well-structured questionnaires. Norovirus was detected by using a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assay kit (Biopanda reagents, Belfast, United Kingdom). Results: The overall prevalence of Norovirus infection was 15.3%. The prevalence of Norovirus infection was significantly higher in Delta State than in Bayelsa State (22.9 % vs. 6.7%; OR= 3.6615; 95% CI = 1.378, 9.725; P=0.0092). Children that are less than 5 years of age attending day care centers are greatly affected by Norovirus infection (P=0.0044). Also, poor hand hygiene practice was also a significant risk factor for Norovirus infection among study subjects (P=0.0036). Furthermore, secretors were found to have a 1 to 334 fold increased risk of acquiring Norovirus infection in Delta State than in Bayelsa State (OR=19.28, 95% C.I, 1.1102, 334.68, P=0.0422). Conclusion: The need for routine screening for Norovirus infection among children with diarrhea is advocated. Data from this study as well suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a role in Norovirus infection.

Evaluation of a Commercial Immuno-Chromatographic Assay Kit for Rapid Detection of IgM Antibodies against Leptospira Antigen in Human Serum.

Leptospirosis is a febrile zoonotic disease. Routine diagnosis of leptospirosis is based on the detection of specific antibodies with serological tests. The aim of our study was to determine the usefulness of immunochromatographic assay (ICA), ImmuneMed Leptospira IgM Duo Rapid test kit from Korea, in rapid screening of acute leptospirosis in emergency cases with limited expertise. A total of 197 serum samples (93 positive, 104 negative) were selected randomly. The test has good diagnostic sensitivity 73% and specificity 90%. With positive predictive value of 87% and negative predictive value of 79%, this reassures patients have higher chance of correct diagnosis. This ICA is acceptable for screening of leptospirosis but confirmation with microscopic agglutination test should follow.

First Report of Plum pox virus Strain M in Japan

Plum pox virus (PPV) is a causal agent of plum pox (sharka), the most serious viral disease for the stone fruit crops (Prunus spp.) (Garcia et al. 2014). Nine PPV strains are known, out of which strains D and M are the most widespread and economically important. In 2009, PPV-D was detected from Japanese apricots (Prunus mume) in Japan (Maejima et al. 2011). A nationwide survey was then started, followed by an eradication program. In the program, the collected samples were tested by a PPV immunochromatographic assay kit (NIPPON GENE, Japan), and only those with positive results were further tested by reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification method (RT-LAMP) using a PPV detection kit (NIPPON GENE). In June 2016, some Japanese apricots and apricot (P. armeniaca) trees were found with typical PPV symptoms such as ringspot and mottle on leaves, and some peach (P. persica) trees with mild mottle on leaves in Yokohama, Japan. These trees were distributed in a small area in Yokohama city. Most...

Development of rapid immunochromatographic strip test for the detection of porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus

Porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) causes acute and severe watery diarrhoea and dehydration, as well as 50–100 per cent mortality in piglets. For the PEDV diagnosis, a rapid test kit...

Immunochromatographic Assay for Simultaneous and Quantitative Detection of 3-Methyl-Quinoxaline-2-Carboxylic Acid and Quinoxaline-2-Carboxylic Acid Residues in Animal Tissues Based on Highly Luminescent Quantum Dot Beads

Due to their potential adverse effects on human health, the use of carbadox and olaquindox in feedingstuffs was prohibited by the European Union since 1998. In this work, highly luminescent quantum dot beads (QBs) were synthesized by encapsulating CdSe/ZnS and used as novel fluorescent probes in the immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for simultaneous and quantitative determination of metabolites of olaquindox (3-methylquinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid, MQCA) and carbadox (quinoxaline-2-carboxylic, QCA). The fluorescence intensities of the test lines were recorded using a fluorescence strip reader. The 50% of inhibition for MQCA and QCA was shown to be 8.1 and 10.6 μg L−1, respectively. The whole assay process can be accomplished within 10 min. The immunosensor was used to analyze spiked samples, and analyte intra- and inter-assay recovery rates ranged from 78.7 to 92.2% for MQCA and 80.6 to 95.8% for QCA, and coefficients of variation were all below 12%. The incurred tissues samples were assayed using both QB-based ICA and commercial ELISA kit and were further confirmed with LC-MS/MS. The QB-based ICA results exhibited good agreement with both commercial ELISA and LC-MS/MS methods.

Comparative Sensitivities and Specificities of Four Rapid Influenza A Antigen Detection Kits for Detection of H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1

&lt;p&gt;Influenza viruses cause seasonal epidemics associated with high morbidity and mortality. Rapid diagnostic tests for the detection of pandemic influenza A virus are valuable for their ease using and accurate diagnosis of influenza. Many rapid influenza diagnostic kits were introduced recently. Hence, the sensitivities and specificities of them for testing influenza viruses need to monitor. In this study, the sensitivities and specificities of four diagnostic immunochromatographic assay kits for H1N1, H3N2, and H5N1 were evaluated. For the detection of the three H1N1, three H3N2 and one H5N1 virus line, rapid diagnostic tests exhibited excellent specificity (all positive). And no false-positive results were obtained. They differed in respect to the sensitivity, especially in the lower haemagglutinin titer. However, all of them achieve the requirements of National Institutes for food and drug Control (NIFDC). Commercial influenza immunochromatographic assay kits are useful tools for the rapid diagnosis of influenza. Nonetheless, confirmatory testing is always recommended.&lt;/p&gt;

Development of a Novel Immunochromatographic Assay for Rapid Detection of OXA-23 β-lactamase-producingAcinetobacter baumannii

Among the several agents causing carbapenem resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii, the most common cause is OXA-23 β-lactamase, which is known to hydrolyze carbapenem. To effectively control dissemination of carbapenemresistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), development of both rapid and easy-to-use detection methods are required. The aim of this study is to develop a novel immunochromatographic assay (ICA) for rapid detection of OXA-23 β-lactamase. Of the seven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) screened by ELISA, four mAbs (4G6, 4H6, 6G4, 9A4) exhibited high reactivity. Of these four specific antibodies, the combination of 6G4/4G6 showed the greatest reactivity and this combination of mAbs (6G4/4G6 mAbs) was used to develop the OXA-23 β-lactamase ICA. Of 102 A. baumannii isolates tested, the OXA-23 β-lactamase ICA results were consistent with PCR analysis except one false positive and one false negative isolate. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 98.36% and 97.56%, respectively. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, we have developed the first specific antibody set to detect OXA-23 β-lactamase using an ICA kit. This novel ICA can be used as a reliable and easy-to-use immunological assay for detection of OXA-23 β-lactamase producing CRAB in clinical laboratories.

Development of a rapid method for the quantitative determination of deoxynivalenol using Quenchbody

Quenchbody (Q-body) is a novel fluorescent biosensor based on the antigen-dependent removal of a quenching effect on a fluorophore attached to antibody domains. In order to develop a method using Q-body for the quantitative determination of deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by some Fusarium species, anti-DON Q-body was synthesized from the sequence information of a monoclonal antibody specific to DON. When the purified anti-DON Q-body was mixed with DON, a dose-dependent increase in the fluorescence intensity was observed and the detection range was between 0.0003 and 3 mg L−1. The coefficients of variation were 7.9% at 0.003 mg L−1, 5.0% at 0.03 mg L−1 and 13.7% at 0.3 mg L−1, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.006 mg L−1 for DON in wheat. The Q-body showed an antigen-dependent fluorescence enhancement even in the presence of wheat extracts. To validate the analytical method using Q-body, a spike-and-recovery experiment was performed using four spiked wheat samples. The recoveries were in the range of 94.9–100.2%. The concentrations of DON in twenty-one naturally contaminated wheat samples were quantitated by the Q-body method, LC-MS/MS and an immunochromatographic assay kit. The LC-MS/MS analysis showed that the levels of DON contamination in the samples were between 0.001 and 2.68 mg kg−1. The concentrations of DON quantitated by LC-MS/MS were more strongly correlated with those using the Q-body method (R2 = 0.9760) than the immunochromatographic assay kit (R2 = 0.8824). These data indicate that the Q-body system for the determination of DON in wheat samples was successfully developed and Q-body is expected to have a range of applications in the field of food safety.

Usefulness of a Newly Developed Immunochromatographic Assay Kit for the Detection of Respiratory Syncytial Virus

We evaluated the usefulness of IMMUNOCATCH-RSV (Eiken chemical Co., Ltd.) (IC-A), a newly developed immunochromatographic assay kit for detection of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For the clinical study, 210 nasal swabs and 134 nasopharyngeal aspirates were collected from pediatric patients with acute respiratory tract infections in 2013. Three immunochromatographic assay kits (IC-A, IC-B and IC-C), and the RT-PCR method were used for the detection of RSV. The detection times for IC-A, IC-B and IC-C were 8, 15 and 10 minutes, respectively. The positive rates for IC-A using nasal swabs and nasopharyngeal aspirates were 33.8% and 35.8%, respectively. For the nasal swab specimens, the total concordance rates of RT-PCR with IC-A, IC-B and IC-C were 96.2% (202/210), 89.5% (188/210), and 90.5% (143/158), respectively. As for the nasopharyngeal aspirates, the total concordance rates of RT-PCR with IC-A, IC-B and IC-C were 96.3% (129/134), 94.0% (125/133), and 97.7% (130/133), respectively. The minimum detection concentration of IC-A was 3.0 x 10(2) TCID50/mL for the RSV subgroup A strain, and 7.5 x 10 TCID50/mL for the RSV subgroup B strain. In conclusion, the current data indicate that IC-A is a useful kit for more rapid and accurate detection of RSV infection.

Usefulness of immunochromatographic assay kit for the detection of Legionella antigen in urine specimens: Comparison of performance between a newly developed kit and three existing kits

Usefulness of immunochromatographic assay kit for the detection of <i>Legionella</i> antigen in urine specimens: Comparison of performance between a newly developed kit and three existing kits

Development of an immunochromatographic assay kit using fluorescent silica nanoparticles for rapid diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis.

We developed an immunochromatographic assay kit that uses fluorescent silica nanoparticles bound to anti-Acanthamoeba antibodies (fluorescent immunochromatographic assay [FICGA]) and evaluated its efficacy for the detection of Acanthamoeba and diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). The sensitivity of the FICGA kit was evaluated using samples of Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts diluted to various concentrations. A conventional immunochromatographic assay kit with latex labels (LICGA) was also evaluated to determine its sensitivity in detecting Acanthamoeba trophozoites. To check for cross-reactivity, the FICGA was performed by using samples of other common causative pathogens of infectious keratitis, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans. Corneal scrapings from patients with suspected AK were tested with the FICGA kit to detect the presence of Acanthamoeba, and the results were compared with those of real-time PCR. The FICGA kit detected organisms at concentrations as low as 5 trophozoites or 40 cysts per sample. There were no cross-reactivities with other pathogens. The FICGA was approximately 20 times more sensitive than the LICGA for the detection of Acanthamoeba trophozoites. The FICGA kit yielded positive results for all 10 patients, which corresponded well with the real-time PCR results. The FICGA kit demonstrated high sensitivity for the detection of Acanthamoeba and may be useful for the diagnosis of AK.