Early diagnosis of infectious diarrhea using lactoferrin and hemoglobin markers.

摘要

Lactoferrin (Lf) assay has been commercial for diarrhea for several years, but some factors confused the result interpretation. An immuno-based rapid method was developed to detect Lf and hemoglobin (Hb) present in fecal sample. The objectives were to differentiate groups of diarrhea and provide a rapid test that could be used in order to help health professionals to quickly manage patient care, taking into account the type of diarrhea that is attacking. Positive results for fecal Lf indicated an inflammatory condition of the intestines. Positive results for fecal Hb suggested the presence of occult blood in stools. It has a sensitivity of 0.156 ng/ micro L of Lf and 0.313 ng/ micro L of Hb. Liquid fecal samples were mixed with a mixture containing antibodies to Lf and Hb. These antibodies were conjugated to colored latex beads. Each test zone on the test device has immovably fixed upon it a complementary antibody that binded specifically with one of the labeled antibodies in the mixture. Positive results appeared as stripes across the corresponding test zone. It has a sensitivity of 0.156 ng/ micro L of Lf and 0.313 ng/ micro L of Hb. Diagnostic evaluation of 156 patients with diarrhea was carried out to determine the accuracy of this test. Lf assay combined with Hb assay can increase specificity and sensitivity for invasive pathogens causing diarrhea. The test could be used to guide the diagnostic workup in order to identify patients who are likely to benefit from empirical antibiotic therapy.