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Cost-effectiveness analysis of a multiplex lateral flow rapid diagnostic test for acute non-malarial febrile illness in rural Cambodia and Bangladesh

Abstract:

Background

Multiplex lateral flow rapid diagnostic tests (LF-RDTs) may aid management of patients with acute non-malarial febrile illness (NMFI) in rural south and southeast Asia. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness in Cambodia and Bangladesh of a putative, as-yet-undeveloped LF-RDT capable of diagnosing enteric fever and dengue, as well as measuring C-reactive protein (CRP) to guide antibiotic prescription, in primary care patients with acute NMFI.

Methods

A country-specific decision tree model-based cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted from a health system plus limited societal perspective considering the cost of antimicrobial resistance. Parameters were based on data from a large observational study on the regional epidemiology of acute febrile illness, published studies, and procurement price lists. Costs were expressed in US dollars (value in 2022), and cost-effectiveness evaluated by comparing incremental cost-effectiveness ratios with conservative opportunity cost-based willingness-to-pay thresholds and the more widely used threshold of per capita gross domestic product (GDP).

Findings

Compared to standard of care, LF-RDT-augmented clinical assessment was dominant in Cambodia, being more effective and cost-saving. The cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted in Bangladesh was 482 US dollars , slightly above the conservative opportunity cost-based willingness-to-pay threshold of 388 US dollars and considerably lower than the GDP-based threshold of 2687 US dollars . The intervention remained dominant in Cambodia and well below the GDP-based threshold in Bangladesh when antimicrobial resistance costs were disregarded.

Interpretation

These findings provide guidance for academic, industry, and policymaker stakeholders involved in acute NMFI diagnostics. While definitive conclusions cannot be made in the absence of established thresholds, our results suggest that similar results are highly likely in some target settings and possible in others.

Funding

Wellcome Trust, UK Government, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and Rotary Foundation.
Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1016/j.lansea.2024.100389

Authors

More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
NDM
Sub department:
Tropical Medicine
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-8992-4474
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
NDM
Sub department:
Tropical Medicine
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-7970-039X
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
NDM
Sub department:
Tropical Medicine
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0002-9839-5359
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
NDM
Sub department:
Tropical Medicine
Role:
Author
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
NDM
Sub department:
Tropical Medicine
Role:
Author


More from this funder
Funder identifier:
https://ror.org/029chgv08
Grant:
215604/Z/19/Z
More from this funder
Funder identifier:
https://ror.org/048b0n981


Publisher:
Elsevier
Journal:
Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia More from this journal
Volume:
23
Article number:
100389
Place of publication:
England
Publication date:
2024-03-16
Acceptance date:
2024-03-04
DOI:
ISSN:
2772-3682
Pmid:
38523864


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
1878805
Local pid:
pubs:1878805
Deposit date:
2024-08-09
ARK identifier:

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