Systematic review and meta-analysis protocol: Diagnostic accuracy assessment for soil-transmitted helminth using...

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Diagnostic Science

Background:

• Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a significant global health burden, classified under neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
• Accurate diagnostics are crucial for STH elimination strategies, yet a comprehensive evaluation of molecular techniques is lacking.
• Current diagnostic methods require rigorous assessment to support global health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the diagnostic accuracy of molecular techniques versus microscopy for common STH infections.
• To compare the performance of advanced molecular diagnostics against conventional microscopic methods.
• To provide evidence supporting the selection of optimal diagnostic tools for STH control programs.

Main Methods:

• This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024563432).
• Independent screening, data extraction, and quality assessment (using QUADAS-2) will be performed by two authors.
• Diagnostic accuracy metrics (sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV, DOR) and SROC curves will be analyzed.

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize data from global studies on A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, hookworms, and S. stercoralis.
• Performance metrics of molecular diagnostics will be compared against established microscopic techniques.
• Publication bias and overall diagnostic accuracy will be thoroughly assessed.

Conclusions:

• This systematic review and meta-analysis will offer a comprehensive performance evaluation of molecular diagnostic techniques for STH.
• The findings are anticipated to significantly contribute to the global goal of STH eradication by 2030.
• The protocol's versatility allows for adaptation to assess other advanced diagnostic methods against conventional ones.