Usability, acceptability, and cost of the SD BIOLINE Ov16 rapid diagnostic test for onchocerciasis surveillance in endemic communities in the middle belt of Ghana.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Previous studies in the Bono Region (middle belt) of Ghana have reported persistent Onchocerca volvulus infection and associated morbidities after nearly three decades of ivermectin treatment. This study aimed to assess the usability, acceptability, and cost of the Ov16 SD BIOLINE rapid diagnostic test (Ov16 RDT) in onchocerciasis surveillance activities in the middle belt of Ghana.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 6 endemic communities in the Tain District and Wenchi Municipality. A total of 254 individuals (54% females; median age (range)=31 (5-83) years), agreed to participate in Ov16 RDT (100%), skin-snip microscopy (37%) and nodule palpation (100%). A total of 94 individuals participated in all three diagnostic tests, and post-test intervi

SUBMITTER: Otabil KB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12413087 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature