Confirmation of the use of Latex IgM on cerebrospinal fluid for improving stage determination of Human African Trypanosomiasis

Abstract

The clinical evolution of the chronic form of Human African Trypanosomiasis starts with the haematolymphatic or first stage (P1). The meningoencephalitic or second stage (P2) begins when trypanosomes reach the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The classical stage determination method is based on CSF cell count, CSF protein concentration and/or the presence of trypanosomes detected in CSF. However their cutoff values and the sensitivity of detection of trypanosomes in CSF remains doubtful while the appropriate treatment depends on this determination of disease stage. Thus, the classical stage determination is reconsidered using new serological tests, and results were compared to the clinical data. Thirty-eight patients were classified into 4 clinical groups according to the observed degree of severity of neuropsychiatric signs. Based on multivariate analysis to evaluate the relevance of the new serological tests as compared with clinical groups, we confirm that Latex IgM CSF, cheap and easy to perform under field conditions, may improve stage determination of the disease