Lateral Flow Immunoassays for Ebola Virus Disease Detection in Liberia

Abstract

Rapid antigen-detection tests such as LFIs are attractive alternatives to traditional immunoassays but have reduced sensitivity and specificity, resulting in increases in false-positive and false-negative results. An understanding of the strengths, weaknesses, and limitations of a particular assay lets the diagnostician choose the correct situation to use the correct assay and properly interpret the results.

The SARS-COV-2 Spike Protein Binds Sialic Acids and Enables Rapid Detection in a Lateral Flow Point of Care Diagnostic Device

“…The cost-effectiveness of these inexpensive devices has been demonstrated by various studies of malaria rapid diagnostic tests 8 , 9 and were found to compare well to the more expensive RT-PCR for Ebola diagnosis. 10 In addition to antibodies, other biological recognition units such as nucleic acids, 11 glycans, and lectins 12 could be used. Glycans have not been widely applied in lateral flow 13 but offer new opportunities and advantages compared with antibody-based systems.…”

The SARS-COV-2 Spike Protein Binds Sialic Acids, and Enables Rapid Detection in a Lateral Flow Point of Care Diagnostic Device

“…The costeffectiveness of these inexpensive devices has been demonstrated by various studies of malaria rapid diagnostic tests 8,9 and were found to compare well to the more expensive RT-PCR for Ebola diagnosis. 10 In addition to antibodies, other biological recognition units such as nucleic acids, 11 glycans, and lectins 12 could be used. Glycans have not been widely applied in lateral flow 13 but offer new opportunities and advantages compared with antibody-based systems.…”

Recent advances in the development and evaluation of molecular diagnostics for Ebola virus disease

“…An evaluation of the OraQuick RDT on blood detected only 5/7 PCR positives and 8 PCR-negative specimens were 'false' positive by RDT [88]. The EVD RDTs that have been developed appear to have consistently lower accuracy than RT-qPCR [89], and their use and potential role needs to be carefully considered. It is contingent on key factors, such as the temporal point within an outbreak, the number of suspected Ebola patients being tested and the real prevalence of Ebola within those who are being tested.…”