[Diagnostic value of a card agglutination test (Testryp CATT) in the mass screening of human trypanosomiasis in the Congo].

A field serological study using the Testryp CATT on whole blood was performed during a mass screening of sleeping sickness in a congolese focus (3,530 patients). This test which presented a good specificity (94.8%), revealed on the other hand a low positive predictive value (26.9%). The sensitivity (68.8%) confirms the previous results obtained in Congo. Association of immunoserological tests (CATT and Indirect Immunofluorescent Antibody Test) and clinical diagnosis (examination of lymph nodes) was usefulness for specify an efficient and rapid control of the human reservoir. The improvement of the CATT diagnostic value was discussed.