Loa Antibody Rapid Test

FOR THE DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST LOA LOA SXP-1 ANTIGEN

Loiasis, also known as African eye worm, is a disease caused by the parasitic worm Loa loa. Loiasis affects over 10 million people, predominantly in forested areas of West and Central Africa. The disease is transmitted to humans by day-biting flies and can lead to the presence of a 1–2 cm long adult worm under the skin or in the eye. The adult worms produce embryos, called microfilariae, which circulate in the blood stream during the day. Loiasis can be accompanied by transient swellings on the skin known as Calabar swellings, severe itching, joint pain, and fatigue. There is growing evidence that loiasis is associated with renal, cardiac, and neurological problems and with a shorter life expectancy.

Certain people with L. loa infections are at risk of brain inflammation (encephalopathy) when treated with ivermectin or diethylcarbamazine, two deworming drugs used in mass drug administration programs for the elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis. The encephalopathy can cause coma and sometimes death. Treatment for loiasis exists but must be given by experienced medical doctors, especially in cases of high levels of microfilariae where incorrect chemotherapy is potentially lethal.

INTENDED USE

The Loa Antibody Rapid Test is a Research Use Only (RUO) device. It is intended for epidemiology purposes and as a population surveillance tool. It should not be used to establish a definitive diagnosis or as a basis to recommend a treatment to an individual person. This prototype is a model product specifically built for initial field-testing and to receive feedback from end-users in view of enhancing the design of future versions. The Loa Rapid Antibody Test only detects if a person has been exposed to L. loa in his or her lifetime; it cannot distinguish previous from current infections. 

ABOUT THE PRODUCT

  • First rapid lateral flow immunoassay for Loa loa;

  • High sensitivity and specificity;

  • Easy to use- just dispense specimen and eluent into the port, and read results (see instructions);

  • For research use only (RUO), not for use in diagnostic procedures

PRICE and Ordering

  • Please contact us for exact pricing and availability at orders@ddtd.org

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES

  • Positive sample control [Cat # 67-0006]

  • Visual Scorecard [Cat # 67-0007]

 

 

Demonstration Video (CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO START VIDEO)

DATA

The sensitivity and specificity of the device depends on the cutoff values that can be set with the smartphone reader. The highest sensitivity is obtained with the naked eye. The highest specificity is obtained with the reader by setting a cutoff value of 800 reader units (RUs).

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