Work

Diagnostic accuracy of three tests for Salmonella Typhi infection in adult patients presenting to health facilities in an informal urban settlement in Nairobi, Kenya

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: infection in Kenya. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled patients symptomatic of typhoid fever at three health facilities situated within an informal urban settlement in Nairobi County, Kenya. Using the patients' diagnostic data, a Bayesian latent class model was used to infer the tests' diagnostic accuracy. Results: The Rapid Ab test recorded the highest Se (94.9% [95% PCI 76.1, 99.8]) compared to Widal (59.5% [95% PCI 48.6, 77.9]) and SAT (54.2% [95% PCI 43.5, 64.8]). The assay's Sp (95.9% [95% PCI 85.0, 99.8]) was statistically similar to Widal (85.9% [95% PCI 80.8, 91.7] but superior to SAT (67.1% [95% PCI 60.7, 73.0]). PPVs for the Rapid Ab and Widal tests were comparable but distinct from SAT. NPV for the Rapid Ab test was the highest. Conclusion: The Rapid Ab assay lends itself as a suitable standalone diagnostic to guide surveillance, diagnosis and treatment of acute typhoid fever in high-burden, resource-limited settings.

Source: Preventive Medicine Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2025.103278

Authors: Anthony K. Nganga, Marshal M. Mweu

Institution: University of Nairobi

Language: English

Topic: Salmonella and Campylobacter epidemiology

Subfield: Food Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610