scholarly journals Is Procalcitonin Useful in Early Diagnosis of Serious Bacterial Infections in Children?

2013 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-109
Author(s):  
Rakesh Gupta ◽  
Veena Singh ◽  
Seema Patrikar ◽  
Nandita Hazra ◽  
S S Mathai
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Peripheral Blood Smear ◽  
Total Leukocyte Count ◽  
Serious Bacterial Infections ◽  
Sepsis Screen ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

Introduction: Diagnosis of bacterial infections remains one of the greatest challenges in medical science, especially in children, in whom clinical signs are often nonspecific. The currently used sepsis screen has poor predictive value. Recently introduced marker procalcitonin (PCT) with high sensitivity and specificity is evaluated as early marker of serious bacterial infection in children. Materials and Methods: Children up to 5 years of age presenting with features of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome(SIRS) were evaluated clinically and underwent standard sepsis screen namely total leukocyte count (TLC), peripheral blood smear for band count, C-reactive Protein (CRP) and newer tests like procalcitonin (PCT) and Interleukin-8 (IL-8). Results were analyzed using SPSS14.0. Results: One hundred patients suspected of sepsis were evaluated. Maximum cases were below one year (37%) with mean age of 27 months. Male:female ratio was 1.5:1. Respiratory system was the commonest system involved in (54%) followed by gastrointestinal (20%), genitourinary (10%) and central nervous system (5%). Seventy two cases were found to have confirmed sepsis, proven by blood culture (34%) and other investigations. Fifty two cases were diagnosed by conventional markers, while newer markers in 60 cases. Diagnostic evaluation revealed that newer markers have higher sensitivity and specificity as compared to conventional sepsis screen. Conclusion: Procalcitonin is a useful marker for diagnosis of serious bacterial infections in children and in combination with IL8 has a higher sensitivity and specificity as compared to standard sepsis screen. Therefore it is recommended that procalcitonin should be used for the screening of sepsis in children so that the treatment can be started earlier in order to prevent morbidity and mortality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v33i2.7988 J Nepal Paediatr Soc. 2013; 33(2):106-109

#54: Sensitivity and Specificity of Procalcitonin vs C Reactive Protein in Identifying Pediatric Bacterial infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S16-S16
Author(s):  
Sara Kim ◽  
Avni Bhatt ◽  
Silvana Carr ◽  
Frances Saccoccio ◽  
Judy Lew
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Tract ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Urinary Tract Infections ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
C Reactive Protein ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Culture Positivity ◽  
Serious Bacterial Infections ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
Culture Positive

Abstract Background Procalcitonin (PCT) and c-reactive protein (CRP) have been utilized in children to assess risk for serious bacterial infections. However, there have been different cut-offs reported for PCT and CRP, which yield different sensitivity and specificity. This study aims to compare the sensitivity and specificity of PCT and CRP in detecting serious bacterial infections (SBIs), specifically urinary tract infections, bacteremia and meningitis. Methods In this retrospective, single center cohort study from January 2018 to June 2019, we analyzed children with a fever greater than 38C with both PCT and CRP value within 24 hours of admission. Each patient had a blood, urine and/or cerebrospinal fluid culture collected within 48 hours of admission. No antibiotics were administered from the admitting hospital prior to collection of the PCT or CRP. Our gold standard was a positive culture obtained from blood, cerebrospinal fluid, or urine. The statistical analysis included categorical variables as percentages and compared them using the Fisher exact test. The optimal cutoff values for PCT or CRP were based on ROC curve analysis and Youden Index. Sensitivity and specificity analysis were based on literature review cut offs and ROC curves cut offs. Results Among 202 children, we had 45 culture positive patients (11 urinary tract infections, 4 meningitis, and 32 bacteremia). The patients with culture positivity had higher PCT levels (7.9 ng/mL vs 2.5 ng/mL, P=0.0111), CRP levels (110.9 mg/L vs 49.6 mg/L, P<0.0001) and temperature (39.2C vs 39C, P<0.0052). The area under the curve (AUC) comparing culture positivity vs negativity for all culture types was 0.72 (p<0.0001) for PCT and 0.66 (p=0.001) for CRP. In Figure 1, the AUC for culture positive bacteremia was 0.68 (p=0.0011) for PCT and 0.70 (p=0.0003). The AUC for culture positive urinary tract infections (UTI) only was 0.86 (p=0.0001) for PCT and 0.70 (p=0.3607). For the cut-off value for PCT at 0.5 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity was 64% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5–0.77) and 70% (95% CI 0.62–0.77) respectively in identifying children with bacterial infection. For the cut-off value for CRP at 20 mg/L, the sensitivity and specificity was 67% (95% CI 0.52–0.79) and 52% (95% CI 0.44–0.59) respectively in identifying children with bacterial infection. Conclusion In this study, PCT and CRP are nearly equivalent classifiers for detecting SBIs as a group and bacteremia, but PCT is statistically better for urinary tract infections; however, the clinical utility is unknown.

scholarly journals Comparison of diagnostics of bacterial vaginosis according to clinical signs with results of laboratory investigations

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 76-82
Author(s):  
Elena V. Shipitsina ◽  
Tatyana A. Khusnutdinova ◽  
Olga S. Ryzhkova ◽  
Anna A. Krysanova ◽  
Olga V. Budilovskaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Vaginosis ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Real Time Pcr ◽  
Vaginal Discharge ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Clinical Diagnostics ◽  
Laboratory Diagnostics ◽  
Molecular Method

Introduction. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is associated with a number of reproductive health disorders, therefore timely and accurate diagnosis of this condition is exceedingly important. Objective.Comparison of effectiveness of clinical and laboratory diagnostics of BV in women with vaginal discharge. Material and methods. In total, 318 patients addressing gynecological clinics with complaints about vaginal discharge participated in the study. Clinical diagnostics of BV was performed in the clinics participating in patient enrollment in accordance with their clinical practice. For laboratory diagnostics, microscopy of Gram stained smears according to the Nugent method and quantitative real-time PCR were used. Sensitivity and specificity of clinical diagnostics of BV and the molecular method were evaluated using the Nugent method as reference standard. Results. With the Nugent method, BV was diagnosed in 27% of women, with real-time PCR — in 37% of women. Using clinical signs of BV, the condition was diagnosed in 91% women. Sensitivity and specificity of the real-time PCR were 97% and 87%, respectively. Sensitivity of clinical diagnostics was 100%, but specificity was only 17%. Conclusions. Diagnostics of BV based only on the presence of vaginal discharge leads to false positive results and requires laboratory confirmation. The molecular method has a high sensitivity and satisfactory specificity for BV diagnosis and can be used as an alternative to the Nugent method.

scholarly journals Rapid Detection of Cysticercus cellulosae by an Up-Converting Phosphor Technology-Based Lateral-Flow Assay

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dejia Zhang ◽  
Yu Qi ◽  
Yaxuan Cui ◽  
Weiyi Song ◽  
Xinrui Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Rapid Detection ◽  
Small Volume ◽  
Taenia Solium ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Lateral Flow ◽  
Neglected Tropical Disease ◽  
Porcine Cysticercosis ◽  
Cysticercus Cellulosae ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

Cysticercosis is a neglected tropical disease caused by the larvae of Taenia solium in pigs and humans. The current diagnosis of porcine cysticercosis is difficult, and traditional pathological tests cannot meet the needs of detection. This study established a UPT-LF assay for the detection of Cysticercus cellulosae. UCP particles were bound to two antigens, TSOL18 and GP50; samples were captured, and the signal from the UCP particles was converted into a detectable signal for analysis using a biosensor. Compared to ELISA, UPT-LF has higher sensitivity and specificity, with a sensitivity of 93.59% and 97.44%, respectively, in the case of TSOL18 and GP50 antigens and a specificity of 100% for both. Given its rapidness, small volume, high sensitivity and specificity, and good stability and reproducibility, this method could be used in the diagnosis of cysticercosis.

scholarly journals A Rapid In-Clinic Test Detects Acute Leptospirosis in Dogs with High Sensitivity and Specificity

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angeli Kodjo ◽  
Christophe Calleja ◽  
Michael Loenser ◽  
Dan Lin ◽  
Joshua Lizer
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Diagnostic Sensitivity ◽  
Immunochromatographic Test ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Weight Group ◽  
Agglutination Assay ◽  
Diagnostic Sensitivity And Specificity

A rapid IgM-detection immunochromatographic test (WITNESS® Lepto, Zoetis) has recently become available to identify acute canine leptospirosis at the point of care. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the test were evaluated by comparison with the microscopic agglutination assay (MAT), using a positive cut-off titer of ≥800. Banked serum samples from dogs exhibiting clinical signs and suspected leptospirosis were selected to form three groups based on MAT titer: (1) positive (n=50); (2) borderline (n=35); and (3) negative (n=50). Using an analysis to weight group sizes to reflect French prevalence, the sensitivity and specificity were 98% and 93.5% (88.2% unweighted), respectively. This test rapidly identifies cases of acute canine leptospirosis with high levels of sensitivity and specificity with no interference from previous vaccination.

scholarly journals FAMACHA©: Predictive value for control of Haemonchus sp. in sheep from Brazilian Cerrado

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 2825-2838
Author(s):  
Roberta Tavares Moreira ◽  
◽  
Ana Lourdes Arrais de Alencar Mota ◽  
Antonio Carlos Lopes Câmara ◽  
Benito Soto-Blanco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽  
Brazilian Cerrado ◽  
Selective Treatment ◽  
Helminthic Infection

This study aimed to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of FAMACHA© method, correlating with packed cell volume (PCV) and egg count (FEC), as well as to evaluate the clinical signs of Haemonchus sp. infection in sheep from Brazilian Cerrado. Over two years (2017 to 2019), 1,435 sheep were subjected to clinical and parasitological evaluations. Sheep from six breeds (Santa Inês, Dorper, White Dorper, Ile de France, Suffolk, and crossbreed) were subdivided into five production categories (pregnant, lactating, non-pregnant/lactating ewes, breeding males, and weaned lambs). Parasitological evaluations included FEC and coproculture. In the clinical evaluation, all sheep underwent determination of the FAMACHA© score and PCV. Haemonchus sp. larvae were predominant in coprocultures of the flocks (76.4%) and in each animal production category evaluated (69.4 to 84.3%). FAMACHA© method showed high sensitivity (70.6%) for evaluating sheep with scores ≥ 3, and PCV < 23%, and high specificity (97.5%) in animals with higher scores (4 and 5), and PCV < 18%. A negative correlation was observed between FAMACHA© scores and PCV (-0.46) and between PCV and FEC (-0.47), while a positive correlation was observed between FAMACHA© scores and FEC (0.22) (p < 0.01). The vast majority of the animals evaluated (54.5%) were clinically resistant to gastrointestinal parasites. Due to the high sensitivity and specificity, we concluded that the method could be a valuable diagnostic alternative and an ancillary tool in the implementation of selective treatment for helminthic infection in sheep from Brazilian Cerrado.

scholarly journals Development of a Multiplex PCR and Magnetic DNA Capture Assay for Detecting Six Species Pathogens of the Genera Anaplasma and Ehrlichia in Canine, Bovine, Caprine and Ovine Blood Samples from Grenada, West Indies

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Bhumika Sharma ◽  
Roman R. Ganta ◽  
Diana Stone ◽  
Andy Alhassan ◽  
Marta Lanza-Perea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Molecular Evidence ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Persistent Problem ◽  
Magnetic Capture ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Species Specific

Infections with tick-borne pathogens belonging to Anaplasma/Ehrlichia in various vertebrate hosts are a persistent problem resulting in nonspecific clinical signs during early infection. Diagnosis of single and multi-infections with these pathogens, causing diseases in companion/agricultural animals and people, remains a challenge. Traditional methods of diagnosis, such as microscopy and serology, have low sensitivity and specificity. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are widely used to detect early-phase infections, since these have high sensitivity and specificity. We report the development and validation of an assay involving PCR followed by magnetic capture method using species-specific oligonucleotides to detect six Anaplasma/Ehrlichia species pathogens in canine, bovine, caprine, and ovine blood samples. Overall, the assay application to 455 samples detected 30.1% (137/455) positives for one or more out of six screened pathogens. Single-pathogen infections were observed in 94.9% (130/137) of the positive samples, while co-infections were detected in 5.1% (7/137). Anaplasma marginale infection in cattle had the highest detection rate (34.4%), followed by canines positive for Anaplasma platys (16.4%) and Ehrlichia canis (13.9%). The assay aided in documenting the first molecular evidence for A. marginale in cattle and small ruminants and Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii in dogs in the Caribbean island of Grenada.

Detector-C: A Blood-based IVD with High Sensitivity and Specificity for Early Detection and Screening of Colorectal Cancer

2010 ◽  
Vol 48 (08) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Rosenthal ◽  
H Köppen ◽  
R Musikowski ◽  
R Schwanitz ◽  
J Behrendt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
High Sensitivity

Immune Thrombocytopenia in an Adolescent with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis – Case Report

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izabella Kelemen ◽  
Zsuzsanna Erzsébet Papp ◽  
Mária Adrienne Horváth
Keyword(s):  
Platelet Count ◽  
Autoimmune Diseases ◽  
Hashimoto’S Thyroiditis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Immunoglobulin Therapy ◽  
Peripheral Blood Smear ◽  
Bleeding Complications ◽  
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis ◽  
Line Treatment ◽  
First Line

Abstract Introduction: In childhood, thrombocytopenia caused by transient antibody-mediated thrombocyte destruction is most frequently diagnosed as immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We report the case of a girl with ITP associated with autoimmune thyroiditis. Case presentation: A 11-year-old female patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis presented with clinical signs of petechiae and ecchymoses on the extremities. Laboratory tests showed remarkable thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of 44,500/μL, hence she was referred to a hematologic consultation. The peripheral blood smear showed normal size platelets in very low range. The bone marrow examination exposed hyperplasia of the megakaryocyte series with outwardly morphologic abnormalities. The patient was diagnosed with ITP, and her first-line treatment was pulsed steroid and immunoglobulin therapy. The thrombocytopenia was refractory to these first-line medications. After 6 months of corticotherapy and a period of severe menorrhagia, azathioprine immunosupression was initiated as a second-line treatment. Her platelet count rapidly increased, and the evolution was good, without bleeding complications. Conclusion: In case of a medical history of autoimmune diseases and treatment-resistant ITP, attention must be focused on detecting coexisting autoimmune diseases and adjusting the treatment in accordance with the chronic evolution of the disease.

Trends in Diagnosis for Active Tuberculosis Using Nanomaterials

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 1946-1959 ◽  
Author(s):  
Le Minh Tu Phan ◽  
Lemma Teshome Tufa ◽  
Hwa-Jung Kim ◽  
Jaebeom Lee ◽  
Tae Jung Park
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Clinical Tools ◽  
Diagnostic Applications

Background:Tuberculosis (TB), one of the leading causes of death worldwide, is difficult to diagnose based only on signs and symptoms. Methods for TB detection are continuously being researched to design novel effective clinical tools for the diagnosis of TB.Objective:This article reviews the methods to diagnose TB at the latent and active stages and to recognize prospective TB diagnostic methods based on nanomaterials.Methods:The current methods for TB diagnosis were reviewed by evaluating their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the trends in TB detection using nanomaterials were discussed regarding their performance capacity for clinical diagnostic applications.Results:Current methods such as microscopy, culture, and tuberculin skin test are still being employed to diagnose TB, however, a highly sensitive point of care tool without false results is still needed. The utilization of nanomaterials to detect the specific TB biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity can provide a possible strategy to rapidly diagnose TB. Although it is challenging for nanodiagnostic platforms to be assessed in clinical trials, active TB diagnosis using nanomaterials is highly expected to achieve clinical significance for regular application. In addition, aspects and future directions in developing the high-efficiency tools to diagnose active TB using advanced nanomaterials are expounded.Conclusion:This review suggests that nanomaterials have high potential as rapid, costeffective tools to enhance the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for the accurate diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of TB. Hence, portable nanobiosensors can be alternative effective tests to be exploited globally after clinical trial execution.

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