Methods
Summary
In this project, I will use the antibody lateral flow assay (LFA) which is based on the chromatographic technique. This test uses serum as the biological sample. The second technique to be used is the real-time PCR for the quantitative detection of Aspergillus spp. The sample here is still serum.
Samples will be collected in TB centres from patients suspected of aspergillosis or suspected of coinfection between TB infection and aspergillosis.
The sample testing will be carried out in a molecular biology research laboratory by a Medical Microbiologist and a Molecular Biologist.
Challenges
The challenge that could impact this project is not reaching the sample size, because people are running away from TB centres because there are afraid to be tested for COVID-19.
To overcome this, we will work in tight collaboration with the clinician for the patients' recruitment, so that no single case will be missed.
Pre Analysis Plan
I will determine the positive and the negative predictive value of the LFA by comparing it to the standard which is the real-time PCR.
In case we have HIV positive and HIV negative participants, we will use a Chi-square test to compare the proportion of positive between the two groups.
Protocols
Browse the protocols that are part of the experimental methods.