Title of article :
Herpes simplex virus-2 infections in pregnant women from South Africa: Evaluation of the ImmunoFLOW rapid test
Author/Authors :
Abbai, Nathlee School of Clinical Medicine Research Laboratory - Nelson Mandela School of Medicine - University of KwaZulu-Natal - Durban, South Africa , Govender, Shanthie School of Clinical Medicine Research Laboratory - Nelson Mandela School of Medicine - University of KwaZulu-Natal - Durban, South Africa , Mbambo, Lungile School of Clinical Medicine Research Laboratory - Nelson Mandela School of Medicine - University of KwaZulu-Natal - Durban, South Africa , Nyirenda, Makandwe South African Medical Research Council - HIV Prevention Research - Durban, South Africa , Sebitloane, Motshedisi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - School of Clinical Medicine Research Laboratory - Nelson Mandela School of Medicine - University of KwaZulu-Natal - Durban, South Africa
Abstract :
The diagnostic performance of ImmunoFLOW, a rapid test for detecting herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2) infections, was investigated in 248 antenatal women. Approximately one hundred and seventy-seven (71%) of the enrolled women were infected with HSV-2. Sero-positivity was associated with older age ([≥ 30 years] 104/177, 58%), having a secondary level of education but not tertiary level of education (125/177, 70.6%), and being unmarried (150/177, 84.7%). The sensitivity of the ImmunoFLOW test in relation to the Herpeselect HSV-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was 89.7% and specificity was 96.2%. The ImmunoFLOW therefore can serve as a valuable test in screening for HSV-2 infections in pregnant women.
Keywords :
South Africa , HSV-2 infection , pregnant women , rapid test
Journal title :
African Journal of Laboratory Medicine
