Characterizing Reactivity to Onchocerca volvulus Antigens in Multiplex Bead Assays

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2017 Sep;97(3):666-672. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0519. Epub 2017 Jul 19.

Abstract

Multiplex bead assays (MBAs) may provide a powerful integrated tool for monitoring, evaluation, and post-elimination surveillance of onchocerciasis and co-endemic diseases; however, the specificity and sensitivity of Onchocerca volvulus antigens have not been characterized within this context. An MBA was developed to evaluate three antigens (OV-16, OV-17, and OV-33) for onchocerciasis. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to characterize antigen performance using a panel of 610 specimens: 109 O. volvulus-positive specimens, 426 non-onchocerciasis controls with filarial and other confirmed parasitic infection, and 75 sera from patients with no other parasitic infection. The IgG and IgG4 assays for OV-16 demonstrated sensitivities of 95.4% and 96.3%, and specificities of 99.4% and 99.8%, respectively. The OV-17 IgG and IgG4 assays had sensitivities of 86.2% and 76.1% and specificities of 79.2% and 82.8%. For OV-33, the IgG and IgG4 assays had sensitivities of 90.8% and 96.3%, and specificities of 96.8% and 98.6%. The OV-16 IgG4-based MBA had the best assay characteristics, followed by OV-33 IgG4. The OV-16 IgG4 assay would be useful for monitoring and evaluation using the MBA platform. Further evaluations are needed to review the potential use of OV-33 as a confirmatory test in the context of program evaluations.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / immunology*
  • Antigens, Helminth / chemistry
  • Antigens, Helminth / immunology*
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay / methods*
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Onchocerca volvulus / chemistry
  • Onchocerca volvulus / immunology*
  • Onchocerciasis / diagnosis*
  • Onchocerciasis / immunology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth
  • Antigens, Helminth
  • Immunoglobulin G