A systematic review and meta-analysis on the accuracy of rapid immunochromatographic tests for dengue diagnosis

Rapid immunochromatographic tests are frequently used to diagnose dengue due to their easy use, low cost, and fast response. A high level of accuracy is essential for rapid diagnostic tests to support their large-scale use. Thus, this systematic review aims to evaluate the accuracy of rapid dengue diagnostic tests. The investigation was run through the following databases: LILACS, Medline (Pubmed), CRD, The Cochrane Library, Trip Medical Database, and Google Scholar. To solve difficulties, two independent reviewers performed document screening and selection. ELISA assay was adopted as a reference test because of several methodologic advantages. Seventeen articles were included accordingly, reckoning 6837 participating individuals. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Forest Plot were conducted to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity for each analyzed parameter (anti-dengue IgM, IgG, and NS1 antigen). The risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed as moderate using QUADAS-2 and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE), respectively. The sensitivity of IgM concerning the studied tests ranged from 13.8 to 90%, while that of NS1 ranged from 14.7 to 100% (95% CI). The antibodies with NS1 presented increased sensitivity; pooled data show that the association of the three analytes bestows the best result, with a combined sensitivity of 90% (CI 95%: 87-92%) and a pooled specificity of 89% (CI 95%: 87-92%). Thus, the present review provides relevant knowledge for decision-making between available rapid diagnostic tests.

Automated summary

This systematic review evaluates the accuracy of rapid dengue diagnostic tests. The results show that the combination of anti-dengue IgM, IgG, and NS1 antigen tests has the highest sensitivity.