Comprehensive multi-country field evaluation of feasibility and ease-of-use of novel onchocerciasis diagnostics

Lack of sensitive, specific, point of care diagnostics are a major barrier to the collection of programmatic and research data on onchocerciasis. This study supported by Sightsavers in Benin and Mozambique is part of a multi-country study led by The Task Force for Global Health, which aims to determine the accuracy of two novel diagnostics: the GADx Ov16 Rapid Diagnostic test (RDT) and the Drugs and Diagnostics for Tropical Diseases (DDTD) onchocerciasis RDT.

• To determine the accuracy of the two novel diagnostics, by comparing each to the results from the existing: SD Bioline Ov16 RDT (Benin and Mozambique), skin snip qPCR (Mozambique only)
• To assess cross-reactivity of the two tests with other co-endemic helminth infections, specifically Wuchereria bancrofti, as assessed by the Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) test, and Mansonella, as assessed by qPCR on dried blood spots (DBS) (Mozambique only)
• To assess the acceptability of the novel tests by collecting data from the surveyors on their use and readability

The SD Bioline RDT has poor sensitivity in the field and needs to be tested in laboratory conditions for more accurate results. With procurement delays, this can result in onchocerciasis programmes receiving results a year following sample collection. With the novel diagnostics tools, results are readily available, therein facilitating decision making.

Positive results will support the commercial availability of a point of care onchocerciasis diagnostic test.

• View the research study page for Mozambique on COR-NTD