Field applicability of a rapid-format anti-Ov-16 antibody test for the assessment of onchocerciasis control measures in regions of endemicity

Background. A previously developed, specific, rapid-format immunochromatographic card test that detects immunoglobulin G4 to the recombinant Onchocerca volvulus antigen Ov-16 was modified to detect antibodies in whole blood. Methods. Ov-16 card test results were assessed in 1511 subjects ≥ 2 years of age in 7 West African villages with varying histories of onchocerciasis control measures. Results. In villages in which control measures had been implemented, anti-Ov-16 antibody prevalence rates ranged from 5.2% to 65.1%. Antibody prevalence rates were close to zero among subjects born after effective control measures had been implemented. In 2 villages without a history of control measures where onchocerciasis was endemic, microfilariae (MF) prevalence rates were 82.8% and 65.1%, and antibody prevalence rates were 73.1% and 62.1%. In these 2 villages, the sensitivity of the Ov-16 card test was 81.1% and 76.5%, the specificity was 100%, and the positive predictive value was 91.8% and 80.5%. MF and antibody prevalence rates were correlated (Spearman's r = 0.815; P < .038). Conclusions. The Ov-16 card test is field applicable, exhibits high sensitivity and specificity for O. volvulus infection, and has great potential as a tool for surveillance and for evaluating the success of onchocerciasis control measures.