1Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-100029, INDIA.
2Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-100029, INDIA.
Rapid and correct diagnosis of most infectious disease is mandatory for accurate and timely therapeutic interventions. Conventional microscopic and culture methods still remain the mainstay in diagnosis. However, simple immunochromatographic tests (ICT) based on the dipstick principle (non-microscopic) have recently become available. These tests detect either circulating antigens or antibodies in clinical specimens. In order to evaluate the potential impact of these tests, a literature survey was carried out along with laboratory evaluation of test kits available in our country. Studies related to the use of ICT in infectious diseases are reviewed, critically analysed and relevant moditications are proposed. The reliability of tlle ICT for each disease was variable. Certain diseases for instance malaria, can be diagnosed with 100% specificity and 95% sensitivity, whereas in tuberculosis, Human Immunedeficiency Virus (HIV) infections, and in others inconclusive results have been obtained so far. ICT may prove to be a very useful newer diagnostic tool in an etlort to diagnose and control many infectious diseases, because it is simple, involves easily handled reagents and will allow rapid diagnosis to be carried out in rural clinics to avoid many of the problems which arise in endemic areas. Dipstick assays also have the potential of enhancing speed and accuracy in diagnosis. However, as discussed, many tests need further evaluation if they are to be considered as reliable alternatives for routine deployment.
