Rapid detection of vibrio cholerae o1 and o139 in stool samples by one-step immunochromatographic dip-stick test

Abstract

Background and objectives: Cholera can occur in any form; sporadic, endemic or epidemic in India. The present study compares the performance of rapid dipstick assay and conventional culture methods for the detection of Vibrio cholerae in stool samples. Materials and methods: 20 stool samples were collected from patients having acute watery, non-bloody diarrhea and subjected to Crystal VC dipstick test and conventional culture method.Results: Out of 20 stool samples, 15 were positive for Vibrio cholera O1 strain in rapid dipstick test and 10 were culture positive. The sensitivity and specificity of this dipstick for detection of 01 strain was 100% and 66.66% respectively. None of samples were O139 positive by both dipstick and culture methods. Conclusion: This one-step dipstick test performed well in the diagnosis of Vibrio cholerae O1 in a setting with seasonal outbreaks where rapid tests are most urgently needed