scholarly journals A Novel Automatic Rapid Diagnostic Test Reader Platform

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haydar Ozkan ◽  
Osman Semih Kayhan

A novel automatic Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) reader platform is designed to analyze and diagnose target disease by using existing consumer cameras of a laptop-computer or a tablet. The RDT reader is useable with numerous lateral immunochromatographic assays and similar biomedical tests. The system has two different components, which are 3D-printed, low-cost, tiny, and compact stand and a decision program named RDT-AutoReader 2.0. The program takes the image of RDT, crops the region of interest (ROI), and extracts the features from the control end test lines to classify the results as invalid, positive, or negative. All related patient’s personal information, image of ROI, and the e-report are digitally saved and transferred to the related clinician. Condition of the patient and the progress of the disease can be monitored by using the saved data. The reader platform has been tested by taking image from used cassette RDTs of rotavirus (RtV)/adenovirus (AdV) and lateral flow strip RDTs ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) before discarding them. The created RDT reader can also supply real-time statistics of various illnesses by using databases and Internet. This can help to inhibit propagation of contagious diseases and to increase readiness against epidemic diseases worldwide.

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1889
Author(s):  
Michele Spinicci ◽  
Carlo Fumagalli ◽  
Niccolò Maurizi ◽  
Enrico Guglielmi ◽  
Mimmo Roselli ◽  
...  

Background: Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CChC) is the most common cause of death related to Chagas disease (CD). The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a combined rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and electrocardiographic (ECG) screening in a remote rural village of the Bolivian Chaco, with a high prevalence of CChC. Methods: Consecutive healthy volunteers > 15 years were enrolled in the community of Palmarito (municipality of Gutierrez, Santa Cruz Department, Bolivia) in February 2019. All patients performed an RDT with Chagas Stat-Pak® (CSP, Chembio Diagnostic System, Medford, NY, USA) and an ECG by D-Heart® technology, a low-cost, user-friendly smartphone-based 8-lead Bluetooth ECG. RDTs were read locally while ECGs were sent to a cardiology clinic which transmitted reports within 24 h from recording. Results: Among 140 people (54 men, median age 38(interquartile range 23–54) years), 98 (70%) were positive for Trypanosoma cruzi infection, with a linear, age-dependent, increasing trend (p < 0.001). Twenty-five (18%) individuals showed ECG abnormalities compatible with CD. Prevalence of ECG abnormalities was higher in infected individuals and was associated with higher systolic blood pressure and smoking. Following screening, 22 (16%) individuals underwent clinical evaluation and chest X-ray and two were referred for further evaluation. At multivariate analysis, positive CSP results (OR = 4.75, 95%CI 1.08–20.96, p = 0.039) and smoking (OR = 4.20, 95%CI 1.18–14.92, p = 0.027) were independent predictors of ECG abnormalities. Overall cost for screening implementation was <10 $. Conclusions: Combined mobile-Health and RDTs was a reliable and effective low-cost strategy to identify patients at high risk of disease needing cardiologic assessment suggesting potential future applications.


Author(s):  
Amanda K. Debes ◽  
Kelsey N. Murt ◽  
Ethyl Waswa ◽  
Gerald Githinji ◽  
Mama Umuro ◽  
...  

Cholera is a severe acute, highly transmissible diarrheal disease which affects many low- and middle-income countries. Outbreaks of cholera are confirmed using microbiological culture, and additional cases during the outbreak are generally identified based on clinical case definitions, rather than laboratory confirmation. Many low-resource areas where cholera occurs lack the capacity to perform culture in an expeditious manner. A simple, reliable, and low-cost rapid diagnostic test (RDT) would improve identification of cases allowing rapid response to outbreaks. Several commercial RDTs are available for cholera testing with two lines to detect either serotypes O1 and O139; however, issues with sensitivity and specificity have not been optimal with these bivalent tests. Here, we report an evaluation of a new commercially available cholera dipstick test which detects only serotype O1. In both laboratory and field studies in Kenya, we demonstrate high sensitivity (97.5%), specificity (100%), and positive predictive value (100%) of this new RDT targeting only serogroup O1. This is the first field evaluation for the new Crystal VC-O1 RDT; however, with these high-performance metrics, this RDT could significantly improve cholera outbreak detection and improve surveillance for better understanding of cholera disease burden.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
N Maurizi ◽  
C Fumagalli ◽  
M Spinicci ◽  
E Guglielmi ◽  
M Rosselli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CChC) is the most common cause of death related to Chagas disease (CD), and it develops in 20–30% of infected individuals. However, access to both CD testing and basic cardiac care is often limited in rural deprived areas, hyperendemic for CD. Purpose To assess the feasibility of a combined mobile-health (m-Health) electrocardiographic (ECG) and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) screening for Chagas-related cardiac alterations in a remote rural village of the Bolivian Chaco, where a high prevalence of CChC is expected. Methods A representative sample of 140 healthy volunteers were consecutively enrolled in a rural Bolivian Community in February 2019. Demographic and clinical data were recorded through a standardized questionnaire. All patients performed an ECG by D-Heart, a validated low-cost hospital grade 8 and 12 lead smartphone portable ECG, and a serologic testing by Chagas Stat-Pak® (CSP). RDTs were read locally while ECGs were sent to a Cardiology clinic which transmitted reports within 24 hours from recording. Results Among 140 people (54 men, median age of 38 [23–54] years), 98 (70%, 95% CI 62.4–77.6) were positive for T. cruzi infection with CSP, with a linear, age-dependent, increasing trend (p&lt;0.001). Overall, 25 individuals (18%) showed ECG abnormalities, compatible with CD. Prevalence of ECG abnormalities was significantly higher in T. cruzi infected individuals (22 vs 7%, p=0.032). None of the study participants had performed an ECG test prior to enrolment. ECG abnormalities included Bundle Branch Blocks (n=8), 1st Degree Atrioventricular blocks (n=3), rhythm disturbances (n=5), pathologic Q waves (n=2), fragmented QRS (n=5) and low QRS voltage (n=2). Twenty-two patients with a positive CSP testing and possible CD-related ECG abnormalities were recalled from Camiri Community and referred to Gutierrez Hospital for chest X-ray and treatment initiation. At multivariate analysis, positive CSP results (OR 4.75, 95% CI 1.08–20.96, p=0.039) and smoking habit (OR 4.20, 95% CI 1.18–14.92, p=0.027) were confirmed as independent predictors of ECG abnormalities. For 6-day screening for a community of 150 inhabitants, the overall start-up amount was projected to 4.82$/patient and to 8.23$/patient when operative costs (i.e. on-site nurse and healthcare assistant with remote physician on call) were included. Conclusions Combined D-Heart® ECG and RDTs screening proved a reliable and effective low-cost strategy to identify patients at high risk of disease and in need of further cardiologic assessment, in a rural, highly endemic environments of the Bolivian Chaco. Onsite and m-Health programmes should be encouraged to support early diagnosis of CD and CChC and provide access to targeted therapy to maximize treatment benefits prior to advanced cardiac involvement. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Author(s):  
R.J. Mount ◽  
R.V. Harrison

The sensory end organ of the ear, the organ of Corti, rests on a thin basilar membrane which lies between the bone of the central modiolus and the bony wall of the cochlea. In vivo, the organ of Corti is protected by the bony wall which totally surrounds it. In order to examine the sensory epithelium by scanning electron microscopy it is necessary to dissect away the protective bone and expose the region of interest (Fig. 1). This leaves the fragile organ of Corti susceptible to physical damage during subsequent handling. In our laboratory cochlear specimens, after dissection, are routinely prepared by the O-T- O-T-O technique, critical point dried and then lightly sputter coated with gold. This processing involves considerable specimen handling including several hours on a rotator during which the organ of Corti is at risk of being physically damaged. The following procedure uses low cost, readily available materials to hold the specimen during processing ,preventing physical damage while allowing an unhindered exchange of fluids.Following fixation, the cochlea is dehydrated to 70% ethanol then dissected under ethanol to prevent air drying. The holder is prepared by punching a hole in the flexible snap cap of a Wheaton vial with a paper hole punch. A small amount of two component epoxy putty is well mixed then pushed through the hole in the cap. The putty on the inner cap is formed into a “cup” to hold the specimen (Fig. 2), the putty on the outside is smoothed into a “button” to give good attachment even when the cap is flexed during handling (Fig. 3). The cap is submerged in the 70% ethanol, the bone at the base of the cochlea is seated into the cup and the sides of the cup squeezed with forceps to grip it (Fig.4). Several types of epoxy putty have been tried, most are either soluble in ethanol to some degree or do not set in ethanol. The only putty we find successful is “DUROtm MASTERMENDtm Epoxy Extra Strength Ribbon” (Loctite Corp., Cleveland, Ohio), this is a blue and yellow ribbon which is kneaded to form a green putty, it is available at many hardware stores.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Hussien Ahmed ◽  
Sherief Abd-Elsalam ◽  
Aya Mohammed Mahrous

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori eradication remains a problematic issue. We are in an urgent need for finding a treatment regimen that achieves eradication at a low cost and less side effect. Recent published results showing a high rate of resistance and with clarithromycin-based treatment regimens. The aim of the study was to compare moxifloxacin therapy and classic clarithromycin triple therapy in H. pylori eradication. Methods: This was a pilot study that enrolled 60 patients with helicobacter pylori associated gastritis. Diagnosis was done by assessment of H. pylori Ag in the stool. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either moxifloxacin based therapy (Group A), or clarithromycin based therapy (Group B) for two weeks. We stopped the treatment for another two weeks then reevaluation for cure was done. Results: 90 % of patients had negative H. pylori Ag in the stool after 2 weeks of stoppage of the treatment in group A versus 66.7 % in Group B. None of the patients in both groups had major side effects. Conclusion: Moxifloxacin-based therapy showed higher eradication power and less resistance when compared to clarithromycin triple therapy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-35
Author(s):  
Maria Estela Karolina ◽  
Oktovia Rezka Nurmaajid ◽  
Armaidi Darmawan ◽  
Solha Elfrida

Abstract Backgrounds : Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) is a imunologic methode to diagnose malaria. Mostly, Orang Rimba hunt nomadically. Orang Rimba have traditional medicine to cure malaria. The purposes of this research are to know the incident of malaria based on RDT and malaria treatment behaviour of Orang Rimba. Methode :  This research was descriptive study. The populations of this research were Orang Rimba in Desa Bukit Suban and Sekamis, Kabupaten Sarolangun. The number of samples in this research is 49 respondents. The sample was taken by systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed with univariat analysis. Result : The result showed that 16,7 % had malaria positive, P. vivax was the dominat species of plasmodium (62,5%). Mostly the aged of respondent was 5-11 years old (41,7%), the gender was male (58,3%), occupation was doesn’t work (56,3%), marriage status was marriage (56,3%). Most of Orang Rimba had worse knowladge level (53,6%), the mostly used term in Orang Rimba was demam kuro (50%), only (42,9%) respondents knew the trias of malaria, only 9 respondents knew that cause of malaria was mosquito’s bites, Orang Rimba mostly knew the danger of malaria (85,7%) and the complication of malaria (89,3%), and knew that malaria could be cured (82,1%). The users of modern combined with traditional medicine were as much as 57,1%, Orang Rimba mostly used ≥ 3 kinds of traditional medicine 53,6%, traditional medicine was mostly processed by boiling (24 respondents) and mostly knew one way of processing the traditional medicine  (57,1%), traditional medicine was mostly for being eaten or drunk and external medicine  (50%), the duration of using  traditional medicine was mostly  2-3 days (46,4%), Orang Rimba mostly said that traditional medicine was efficacious (92,9%). Conclusions : The incident number of malaria was 16,7% and the mostly users of modern combined with traditional medicine were as much as 57,1%. Keywords : Malaria, RDT, orang rimba, malaria treatment behaviour   Abstrak Latar Belakang : Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) merupakan metoda imunologik untuk mendiagnosis malaria. Lokasi berburu Orang Rimba cenderung berpindah-pindah. Orang Rimba memiliki kearifan lokal dalam mengobati malaria. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui skrining malaria berdasarkan RDT dan perilaku pengobatan malaria pada Orang Rimba. Metode : Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif. Populasi penelitian seluruh Orang Rimba yang berada di Desa Bukit Suban dan Sekamis. Jumlah sampel pada penelitian ini adalah 48 responden. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik Systematic Random Sampling. Data dianalisis dengan analisis univariat. Hasil : Dari hasil penelitian didapatkan 16,7% positif malaria, jenis plasmodium yang dominan adalah P. vivax (62,5%). Sebagian besar responden berusia 5-11 tahun (41,7%), sebagian besar berjenis kelamin laki-laki (58,3%), sebagian besar pekerjaan responden tidak bekerja (56,3%), sebagian besar berstatus kawin (56,3%). Sebagian besar Orang Rimba memiliki tingkat pengetahuan kurang baik (53,6%), sebagian besar menggunakan istilah demam kuro untuk menyebutkan malaria (50%), hanya 42,9% yang mengetahui trias malaria, hanya 9 responden yang menjawab penyebab malaria adalah gigitan nyamuk, sebagian besar mengetahui bahaya malaria 85,7%, jenis bahaya malaria 89,3%, dan mengetahui bahwa malaria dapat disembuhkan 82,1%. Pengguna pengobatan modern dikombinasi dengan pengobatan tradisional sebanyak 57,1%, sebagian besar menggunakan ≥ 3 jenis obat tradisional (53,6%), cara pengolahan yang paling banyak dengan cara direbus (24 responden) dan mengetahui 1 cara pengolahan (57,1%), cara pemakaian yang paling banyak dengan dimakan atau diminum dan obat luar (50%), lama penggunaan yang paling banyak selama 2-3 hari (46,4%), sebagian besar mengatakan obat tradisional berkhasiat (92,9%). Kesimpulan : Angka kejadian malaria sebesar 16,7% dan upaya pengobatan malaria terbanyak adalah dengan pengobatan modern dikombinasi dengan pengobatan tradisional (57,1%).   Kata Kunci :  Malaria, RDT, orang rimba, perilaku pengobatan malaria


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nlandu Roger Ngatu ◽  
Basilua Andre Muzembo ◽  
Nattadech Choomplang ◽  
Sakiko Kanbara ◽  
Roger Wumba ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Malaria is one of the most prevalent and deadliest illnesses in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite recent gains made towards its control, many African countries still have endemic malaria transmission. This study aimed to assess malaria burden at household level in Kongo central province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the impact of community participatory Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Action programme. Methods Mixed method research was conducted in two semi-rural towns, Mbanza-Ngungu (a WASH action site) and Kasangulu (a WASH control site) in DRC between 1 January 2017 through March 2018, involving 625 households (3,712 household members). Baseline and post-intervention malaria surveys were conducted with the use of World Bank/WHO Malaria Indicator Questionnaire. An action research consisting of a six-month study was carried out which comprised two interventions: a community participatory WASH action programme aiming at eliminating mosquito breeding areas in the residential environment and a community anti-malaria education campaign. The latter was implemented at both study sites. In addition, baseline and post-intervention malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) was performed among the respondents. Furthermore, a six-month hospital-based epidemiological study was conducted at selected referral hospitals at each site from 1 January through June 2017 to determine malaria trend. Results Long-lasting insecticide-treated net (LLIN) was the most commonly used preventive measure (55%); 24% of households did not use any measures. Baseline malaria survey showed that 96% of respondents (heads of households) reported at least one episode occurring in the previous six months; of them only 66.5% received malaria care at a health setting. In the Action Research, mean incident household malaria cases decreased significantly at WASH action site (2.3 ± 2.2 cases vs. 1.2 ± 0.7 cases, respectively; p < 0.05), whereas it remained unchanged at the Control site. Similar findings were observed with RDT results. Data collected from referral hospitals showed high malaria incidence rate, 67.4%. Low household income (ORa = 2.37; 95%CI: 1.05–3.12; p < 0.05), proximity to high risk area for malaria (ORa = 5.13; 95%CI: 2–29-8.07; p < 0.001), poor WASH (ORa = 4.10; 95%CI: 2.11–7.08; p < 0.001) were predictors of household malaria. Conclusion This research showed high prevalence of positive malaria RDT among the responders and high household malaria incidence, which were reduced by a 6-month WASH intervention. DRC government should scale up malaria control strategy by integrating efficient indoor and outdoor preventive measures and improve malaria care accessibility.


2011 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-164 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. T. Runsewe-Abiodun ◽  
M. Efunsile ◽  
B. Ghebremedhin ◽  
A. S. Sotimehin ◽  
J. Ajewole ◽  
...  

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