Serological assays for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy. (13th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalantari, Narges; Chehrazi, Mohammad; Ghaffari, Salman; Gorgani-Firouzjaee, Tahmineh
• Is Part Of: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Volume 114:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 459
• Page End: 469
• Publication Date: 2020-02-13
• Subjects: ELISA -- immunofluorescence antibody test -- serology -- Strongyloides stercoralis -- systematic review; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1093/trstmh/trz135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0035-9203

Abstract

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 χ 2 test and I 2 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 ( I 2 =90.4%, 95% CI: 87.4 to 93.3%; Q=228.1, p=0.000) and specificity ( I 2 =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.