PATH and Standard Diagnostics (SD)/Alere launched two rapid diagnostic tools for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis (LF). Designed for use in disease surveillance where the two diseases are endemic, the new tests will support elimination efforts for these two neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis IgG4 rapid test
and the SD BIOLINE Lymphatic Filariasis IgG4 rapid test can now be ordered directly from SD/Alere.
The new tests will help oncho and LF programs to gather accurate surveillance data required to inform program decisions around stopping mass drug administration (MDA) and detecting signs of reinfection.
“These new tools will greatly facilitate surveillance activities, which will no longer need to be conducted by lab technicians or nurses—surveillance will be brought to the community level,” says Dr. Monique Dorkenoo, coordinator of the LF National Program of the Togo Ministry of Health. “And they could substantially increase community participation because they are less invasive than previous tests.”
PATH is requesting expressions of interest for studies that will evaluate the performance and usability of the SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis IgG4 rapid test and the SD BIOLINE Lymphatic Filariasis IgG4 rapid test. Of particular interest are studies that expect to publish results and evaluations that can be incorporated into ongoing studies.
Click here to submit an expression of interest. All submissions will be considered on a rolling basis.
The SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 rapid test, launched in fall 2014, has since been used in seven countries for applications including program evaluation, mapping, post-elimination surveillance, and monitoring. Nearly 100,000 tests were ordered by the end of 2015, with PATH providing training
and technical assistance to partners. This “proven, valuable, and minimally invasive” test is also now included in updated guidelines from WHO for stopping MDA and verifying elimination of onchocerciasis (Sec. 1.4.2).
Learn more about studies using the test and the important work of our partners. For more information on these studies or to request assistance in ordering the SD BIOLINE Onchocerciasis IgG4 rapid test, contact dxinfo@path.org.
PATH Diagnostics is working with Quansys Biosciences and the University of Washington (UW) to develop new tools that will enable fast, low-cost population surveillance for multiple conditions. These new multiplexed assays will allow simultaneous detection of biomarkers for micronutrient deficiencies, vaccine seroconversion, and exposure to infectious diseases using a single small sample. PATH and UW are investigating the use of dried blood spots as the sample type, which would greatly simplify specimen collection, sample preparation, and the overall costs associated with collection activities—three primary challenges to effective large-scale population surveillance.
These assays will facilitate the collection of data at a large scale that can be used to guide interventions such as nutrition and immunization programs. Ultimately, the use of this technology may help link together national policies for nutrition, vaccination, and infectious disease.
View project fact sheet [PDF] for more details.