Author(s)

Zhang Lei ¹, Yang Feng ², Zhu Junzhe ³

Affiliation(s)

¹ Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310018, China
² Community Health Service Center, Yipeng Street, Qiantang District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China
³ Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 310000, China

Corresponding Author

Zhang Lei

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the Cryptococcus Antigen Rapid Test Cassette, which is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay designed to detect the capsular polysaccharide antigen of Cryptococcus species complex (Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii). The test can be performed on human whole blood, serum, plasma, or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), providing qualitative results. In this research, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the Cryptococcus Antigen Rapid Test were evaluated by comparing it to a well-established commercial test. The study results demonstrated the high accuracy of the test in detecting the microorganism in different specimen types. For whole blood samples, the test showed a relative sensitivity of >99.9%, a relative specificity of 98.1%, and an accuracy of 98.7%. For serum samples, it demonstrated a relative sensitivity of 98.7%, a relative specificity of 99.4%, and an accuracy of 99.2%. In plasma samples, the test displayed a relative sensitivity of 98.9%, a relative specificity of 99.1%, and an accuracy of 99.0%. When it came to cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples, the relative sensitivity was >99.9% and the relative specificity was 98.8%, with an accuracy of 99.1%. These findings highlight the test's effectiveness in accurately identifying the presence or absence of the Cryptococcus microorganism in various specimen types. The Cryptococcus Antigen Rapid Test developed by Hangzhou AllTest Biotech Co., Ltd has demonstrated excellent performance in detecting Cryptococcus antigen in human whole blood, serum, plasma, or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Its high accuracy and reliability make it suitable for clinical application as an auxiliary diagnostic tool. Moreover, its quick and accurate results make it particularly valuable in facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment, especially in resource-limited areas.

KEYWORDS

Cryptococcus; evaluation; Cryptococcal antigen; Diagnosis; Infection

CITE THIS PAPER

Zhang Lei, Yang Feng, Zhu Junzhe, Rapid Detection of Cryptococcal Infection: Diagnostic Performance of the Cryptococcus Antigen Test in Various Samples. MEDS Clinical Medicine (2024) Vol. 5: 71-76. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/medsc.2024.050112.

REFERENCES

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