Validate of OG4C3 ELISA and ICT card test in bancroftian filariasis survey

Abstract

SUMMARY OF THESIS*OLIVEIRA VALIDATE OF OG4C3 ELISA AND ICT CARD TEST IN BANCROFTIAN FILARIASIS SURVEYThe classical methods for the diagnosis of bancroftian filariasis by the way of microscopic examination of thick blood smears, collected usually at night, are not sensitive enough neither perfectly trustful. Other available methods have been considered as more practical, as the Og4C3 ELISA and ICT card test. This work try to validate those methods using a population survey realized in an endemic area in Northeast of Brazil. Og4C3, ICT and thick blood film, the last used as a gold standard, were compared with the data of epidemiological surveillance. The Og4C3 showed a 96.1% sensibility, a negative predictive value of 98.7% and a precision of 87.7%. The ICT showed a 94.4% sensibility, a negative predictive value of 97.1% and a precision of 91.9%. The most useful method is the one which present a higher sensibility and a higher negative predictive value. This dissertation argues that neither Og4C3 nor ICT can be considered ideal tests. Notwithstanding, ICT is indicated in this work as an adequate method to be used in Metropolitan Region of Recife, because of its better general results and because it is the more practical.