Table 3.

Various diagnostic tests available for Strongyloides stercoralis

Test	Sensitivity and specificity	Remarks
Stool smear	30% sensitivity for single stool sample[35]	Simple test but insensitive
Agar plate culture	90% sensitivity[28]	Sensitive and simple
		But needs 2 d for results
		Health hazard to lab workers
		Serologic tests
IFAT	IFAT: 97% sensitivity and 98% specificity[29]	Cross reactivity except with LIPS
ELISA	ELISA: 93% sensitivity and 95% specificity[30]	Inability to differentiate past and current infection
LIPS	LIPS: 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity[32]	Expensive
Molecular tests
PCR	PCR: 99%-100% sensitivity and 15%-100% specificity[34]	Low specificity with low parasite burden
		Expensive
LAMP		Not widely available

ELISA: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay; IFAT: Indirect immunofluorescence antibody test; LAMP: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification; LIPS: Immunoprecipitation system; PCR: Polymerase chain reaction.