Clinic-based evaluation study of the diagnostic accuracy of a dual rapid test for the screening of HIV and syphilis in pregnant women in Nigeria

Clinic-based evaluation of point-of-care dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests at primary healthcare antenatal facilities in South Africa and Zambia

BACKGROUND

Southern African countries have the largest global burden of HIV and syphilis, with a high prevalence among women of reproductive age. Although antenatal screening is standard of care, syphilis screening has generally lagged behind HIV screening. We aimed to evaluate the performance and operational characteristics of two commercial dual HIV/syphilis point-of-care tests (POCTs) for simultaneous maternal HIV/syphilis screening.

METHODS

A clinic-based evaluation of dual HIV/syphilis POCTs (SD Bioline and Chembio) was conducted at five primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in South Africa and Zambia. POCT results using capillary fingerprick blood were compared to reference laboratory syphilis and HIV serological assays.

RESULTS

Three thousand four hundred twelve consenting pregnant women aged ≥ 18 years were enrolled. The prevalence of treponemal antibody seropositivity and HIV infection ranged from 3.7 to 9.9% (n = 253) and 17.8 to 21.3% (n = 643), respectively. Pooled sensitivity for syphilis compared to the reference assay was 66.0% (95%CI 57.7-73.4) with SD Bioline and 67.9% (95%CI 58.2-76.3) with Chembio. Pooled specificity for syphilis was above 98% with both POCTs. The sensitivities of SD Bioline and Chembio assays were 78.0% (95%CI 68.6-85.7) and 81.0% (95%CI 71.9-88.2), respectively compared to an active syphilis case definition of treponemal test positive with a rapid plasma reagin titre of ≥ 8. The negative predictive values (NPVs) based on various prevalence estimates for syphilis with both assays ranged from 97 to 99%. The pooled sensitivity for HIV was 92.1% (95%CI 89.4-94.2) with SD Bioline; and 91.5% (95%CI 88.2-93.9) with Chembio. The pooled specificities for HIV were 97.2% (95%CI 94.8-98.5) with SD Bioline and 96.7% (95%CI 95.1-97.8) with Chembio. The NPV based on various prevalence estimates for HIV with both assays was approximately 98%. Most participating women (91%) preferred dual POCTs over two single POCTs for HIV and syphilis, and healthcare providers gave favourable feedback on the utility of both assays at PHC level.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the need to improve antenatal screening coverage for syphilis, dual HIV/syphilis POCTs could be effectively incorporated into antenatal testing algorithms to enhance efforts towards elimination of mother-to-child transmission of these infections.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus serological markers among pregnant women in Africa, 1984-2020

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major public health concern, particularly in Africa where HIV rates remain substantial. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of acquiring HIV, which has a significant impact on both maternal and child health.

AIM

To review summarizes HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa. It also identifies regional and clinical characteristics that contribute to study-specific estimates variation.

METHODS

The study included pregnant women from any African country or region, irrespective of their symptoms, and any study design conducted in any setting. Using electronic literature searches, articles published until February 2023 were reviewed. The quality of the included studies was evaluated. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was applied to determine HIV pooled seroprevalence among pregnant women in Africa. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics, and publication bias was assessed with Egger's test.

RESULTS

A total of 248 studies conducted between 1984 and 2020 were included in the quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis). Out of the total studies, 146 (58.9%) had a low risk of bias and 102 (41.1%) had a moderate risk of bias. No HIV-positive pregnant women died in the included studies. The overall HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was estimated to be 9.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.3-10.3]. The subgroup analysis showed statistically significant heterogeneity across subgroups (P < 0.001), with the highest seroprevalence observed in Southern Africa (29.4%, 95%CI: 26.5-32.4) and the lowest seroprevalence observed in Northern Africa (0.7%, 95%CI: 0.3-1.3).

CONCLUSION

The review found that HIV seroprevalence among pregnant women in African countries remains significant, particularly in Southern African countries. This review can inform the development of targeted public health interventions to address high HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women in African countries.

HIV burden and the global fast-track targets progress among pregnant women in Tanzania calls for intensified case finding: Analysis of 2020 antenatal clinics HIV sentinel site surveillance

BACKGROUND

For successful HIV response, updated information on the burden and progress toward HIV elimination targets are required to guide programmatic interventions. We used data from the 2020 HIV sentinel surveillance to update on the burden and factors associated with HIV infection, HIV status awareness, and ART coverage among pregnant women in Tanzania mainland.

METHODOLOGY

We conducted the surveillance in 159 antenatal clinics (ANC) from all 26 regions of Tanzania's mainland from September to December 2020. This cross-sectional study included all pregnant women (≥15 years) on their first ANC visit in the current pregnancy during the survey period. Routine HIV counselling and testing were done at the facility. A multivariable logistic regression model accounting for the survey design was used to examine factors associated with HIV infections.

RESULTS

38,783 pregnant women were enrolled (median age (IQR) = 25 (21-30) years). HIV prevalence was 5.9% (95%CI: 5.3% - 6.6%), ranging from 1.9% in the Manyara region to 16.4% in the Njombe region. Older age, lower and no education, not being in a marital union, and living in urban or semi-urban areas were associated with higher odds of HIV infection. HIV status awareness among women who tested positive was 70.9% (95% CI: 67.5%- 74.0%). ART coverage among those aware of their status was 91.6% (86.5%- 94.9%). Overall, 66.6% (95% CI: 62.4%- 70.6%) of all pregnant women who tested positive for HIV knew their HIV status and were on ART.

CONCLUSION

HIV is increasingly prevalent among pregnant women in Tanzania mainland especially among older, those with lower or no formal education, those outside marital union, and pregnant women living in urban and semi-urban areas. Behind the global fast-target to end HIV/ AIDS, about a third of pregnant women living with HIV initiating ANC were not on ART. Interventions to increase HIV testing and linkage to care among women of reproductive age should be intensified.

Epidemiology of syphilis infections among pregnant women in Tanzania: Analysis of the 2020 national representative sentinel surveillance

BACKGROUND

Syphilis has detrimental effects on the health of the mother and that of both fetuses and newborns exposed in utero or at delivery. Understanding its local epidemiology is essential for policies, planning, and implementation of targeted preventive interventions. Using data from the 2020 National Sentinel Surveillance of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANCs) in Tanzania we determined the prevalence and determinants of syphilis among pregnant women in Tanzania mainland.

METHODOLOGY

The ANC surveillance was conducted in 159 ANC sites from all 26 regions of Tanzania's mainland from September to December 2020. It included all pregnant women 15 years and above on their first ANC visit in the current pregnancy during the survey period. Counseling for syphilis was done using standard guidelines at the ANC and testing was done using rapid SD Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo test kits. Analysis was done using both descriptive statistics to determine the prevalence and characteristics of syphilis, whereas, logistic regressions were used to examine the independent association between syphilis and dependent variables.

RESULTS

A total of 38,783 women [median age (Interquartile range (IQR)) = 25 (21-30) years] participated in the surveillance. Of them, 582 (1.4%) tested positive for syphilis. A wide regional variation was observed with the highest burden in Kagera (4.5%) to the lowest burden in Kigoma (0.3%). The odds of syphilis infections were higher among older women and those with no formal education. Compared with primigravids, women with 1-2, those with 3-4 and those with more than four previous pregnancies had 1.8 (aOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.5), 2.1 (aOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-3.1) and 2.6 (aOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.7-3.9) higher odds of syphilis infection respectively.

CONCLUSION

Syphilis is still prevalent among pregnant women in Tanzania with a wide regional disparity. Efforts to prevent new infections, screen pregnant women, and treat those infected should be strategized to include all regions and renewed emphasis on regions with high burden, and importantly among women who are multipara, with a low level of education, and advanced age.

Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among pregnant women in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate prevalence of HIV infection in Nigeria and to examine variations by geopolitical zones and study characteristics to inform policy, practice and research.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of bibliographic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Global Health, Academic Search Elite and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED) and grey sources for studies published between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2019. Studies reporting prevalence estimates of HIV among pregnant women in Nigeria using a diagnostic test were included. Primary outcome was proportion (%) of pregnant women living with HIV infection. A review protocol was developed and registered (PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019107037).

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies involving 72 728 pregnant women were included. Ten studies were of high quality and the remaining were of moderate quality. Twenty-one studies used two or more diagnostic tests to identify women living with HIV. Overall pooled prevalence of HIV among pregnant women was 7.22% (95% CI 5.64 to 9.21). Studies showed high degree of heterogeneity (I² =97.2%) and evidence of publication bias (p=0.728). Pooled prevalence for most individual geopolitical zones showed substantial variations compared with overall prevalence. North-Central (6.84%, 95% CI 4.73 to 9.79) and South-West zones (6.27%, 95% CI 4.75 to 8.24) had lower prevalence whereas South-East zone (17.04%, 95% CI 9.01 to 29.86) had higher prevalence.

CONCLUSIONS

While robust national prevalence studies are sparse in Nigeria, our findings suggest 7 in every 100 pregnant women are likely to have HIV infection. These figures are consistent with reported prevalence rates in sub-Saharan African region. WHO has indicated much higher prevalence in Nigeria compared with our findings. This discrepancy could potentially be attributed to varied methodological approaches and regional focus of studies included in our review. The magnitude of the issue highlights the need for targeted efforts from local, national and international stakeholders for prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment.

Assessment of the Accuracy, Usability and Acceptability of a Rapid Test for the Simultaneous Diagnosis of Syphilis and HIV Infection in a Real-Life Scenario in the Amazon Region, Brazil

We field-assessed the accuracy, acceptability, and feasibility of the SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo rapid diagnostic test in three groups: pregnant women, female sex workers (FSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM). Venous blood samples collected in the field were compared with the respective gold standard methods: SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo Treponemal Test versus FTA-abs (Wama brand) treponemal laboratory test for syphilis, and SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo Test versus the fourth generation Genscreen Ultra HIV Ag-Ag (Bio-Rad brand) laboratory test for HIV. From a total of 529 participants, 397 (75.1%) were pregnant women, 76 (14.3%) FSW and 56 (10.6%) MSM. Sensitivity and specificity parameters of HIV were 100.0% (95% CI: 82.35-100.0%) and 100.0% (95% CI: 99.28-100.0%), respectively. Sensitivity and specificity parameters found for TP antibody detection were 95.00% (95% CI: 87.69-98.62%) and 100.0% (95% CI: 98.18-100.0%), respectively. The SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo Test showed high acceptability among participants (85.87%) and health professionals (85.51%), as well as easy usability by professionals (91.06%). The usability of the SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo Test kit would not be a barrier to accessing rapid testing, if the product were incorporated into the list of health service supplies.

Shifting the power: scale-up of access to point-of-care and self-testing for sexually transmitted infections in low-income and middle-income settings

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Point-of-care (POC) testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can provide complementary coverage to existing HIV testing services in LMICs. This review summarizes current and emerging technologies for detecting STIs in LMICs, with an emphasis on women, discharge-causing infections (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis), true POC, self-testing, ethics, and economic considerations related to equitable access.

RECENT FINDINGS

The WHO have recently adapted guidelines for treatment of STIs in women that advise the use of true-POC or near-POC tests to improve case finding. The number of rapid, sensitive, and specific POC diagnostics for STIs has increased significantly over the past 10 years, although adoption of these in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains limited. Barriers to POC adoption by patients include the cost of tests, the inconvenience of lengthy clinic visits, low perceived risk, stigma, lack of partner notification, and lack of trust in healthcare providers. Lowering the cost of true POC lateral flow devices, interfacing these with digital or eHealth technologies, and enabling self-testing/self-sampling will overcome some of these barriers in LMICs. Ensuring linkage of diagnostic tests to subsequent care remains one of the major concerns about self-testing, irrespective of geography, although available evidence from HIV self-testing suggests that linkage to care is similar to that for facility-based testing.

SUMMARY

Increasing access to sensitive STI true POC tests will strengthen reproductive healthcare in LMICs. Although HIV self-testing is demonstrably useful in LMICs, there is an urgent need for randomized trials evaluating the utility and cost-effectiveness of similar tests for other sexually transmitted infections.

Facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are predominantly managed by syndromic management. However, most STIs are asymptomatic. These untreated STIs cause individual morbidity, and lead to high STI prevalences.

There is increasing interest in the use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for STIs in LMICs, which could facilitate same day testing and treatment. To best utilise these tests, we must understand the facilitators and barriers to their implementation. The aim of this review is to explore how point-of-care testing for STIs has been implemented into healthcare systems in LMIC and the facilitators and barriers to doing so.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses for studies published between 1st January 1998 and 5th June 2020. Abstracts and full articles were screened independently by two reviewers. Studies were considered for inclusion if they assessed the acceptability, feasibility, facilitators, or barriers to implementation of point-of-care testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis or syphilis in LMICs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and present the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care STI testing.

Results

The literature search revealed 82 articles suitable for inclusion; 44 (53.7%) from sub-Saharan Africa; 21 (25.6%) from Latin American and the Caribbean; 10 (12.2%) from East Asia and the Pacific; 6 (7.3%) from South Asia; and one (1.2%) multi-regional study. Thematic analysis revealed seven overarching themes related to the implementation of POCTs in LMICs, namely (i) Ideal test characteristics, (ii) Client factors, (iii) Healthcare provision factors, (iv) Policy, infrastructure and health system factors, (v) Training, audit, and feedback, (vi) Reaching new testing environments, and (vii) Dual testing.

Conclusion

Implementation of POCTs in LMICs is complex, with many of the barriers due to wider health system weakness. In addition to pressing for broader structural change to facilitate basic healthcare delivery, these themes may also be used as a basis on which to develop future interventions. The literature was heavily skewed towards syphilis testing, and so more research needs to be conducted assessing chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis testing, as well as home or self-testing.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07534-9.

Sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women from sub-Saharan Africa

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major health problem in most countries of the world, particularly in developing countries where the resources and technology to diagnose and treat them are limited. Currently, there is limited data on STIs and risk factors for these infections in pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This review provides data on the prevalence and risk factors for STIs in pregnant women living with HIV from SSA. This review also describes the association between STIs and HIV on pregnancy and birth outcomes as well as highlights the importance of laboratory-based diagnosis of STIs.

Method

An electronic search of online databases was used to find and collect relevant research articles connected to the prevalence, adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, health complications and risk factors associated with STIs and HIV in pregnant women from SSA. The search was limited to articles published in English. Relevant studies were identified by searching literature from January 2001 to date. The search yielded 4709 results.

Results

In SSA, STIs are highly prevalent in pregnant women and are widely known to be linked with an increased risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. These infections are often asymptomatic and highly prevalent in pregnant women. The screening of STIs in pregnant women living with HIV can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and screening and treatment for STIs can also prevent adverse perinatal outcomes. It is important to recognise regional and national STI epidemics in order to promote STI prevention and control interventions considering the test and treat approach as opposed to syndromic management.

Conclusion

This review highlights the need to use diagnostic screening methods instead of syndromic STI management in SSA. Moreover, more research into effective prevention and treatment measures for STIs in pregnant women is urgently required.

The impact of antenatal syphilis point of care testing on pregnancy outcomes: A systematic review

Background

Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis remains a leading cause of neonatal death and stillbirth, disproportionally affecting women in low-resource settings where syphilis prevalence rates are high and testing rates low. Recently developed syphilis point-of-care tests (POCTs) are promising alternatives to conventional laboratory screening in low-resource settings as they do not require a laboratory setting, intensive technical training and yield results in 10–15 minutes thereby enabling both diagnosis and treatment in a single visit. Aim of this review was to provide clarity on the benefits of different POCTs and assess whether the implementation of syphilis POCTs is associated with decreased numbers of syphilis-related adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, three electronic databases (PubMed, Medline (Ovid), Cochrane) were systematically searched for intervention studies and cost-effectiveness analyses investigating the association between antenatal syphilis POCT and pregnancy outcomes such as congenital syphilis, low birth weight, prematurity, miscarriage, stillbirth as well as perinatal, fetal or infant death.

Results

Nine out of 278 initially identified articles were included, consisting of two clinical studies and seven modelling studies. Studies compared the effect on pregnancy outcomes of treponemal POCT, non-treponemal POCT and dual POCT to laboratory screening and no screening program. Based on the clinical studies, significantly higher testing and treatment rates, as well as a significant reduction (93%) in adverse pregnancy outcomes was reported for treponemal POCT compared to laboratory screening. Compared to no screening and laboratory screening, modelling studies assumed higher treatment rates for POCT and predicted the most prevented adverse pregnancy outcomes for treponemal POCT, followed by a dual treponemal and non-treponemal POCT strategy.

Conclusion

Implementation of treponemal POCT in low-resource settings increases syphilis testing and treatment rates and prevents the most syphilis-related adverse pregnancy outcomes compared to no screening, laboratory screening, non-treponemal POCT and dual POCT. Regarding the benefits of dual POCT, more research is needed. Overall, this review provides evidence on the contribution of treponemal POCT to healthier pregnancies and contributes greater clarity on the impact of diverse diagnostic methods available for the detection of syphilis.

Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Trypanosoma cruzi Infection: Field Evaluation of Two Registered Kits in a Region of Endemicity and a Region of Nonendemicity in Argentina

Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease [ChD]) affects around 7 million people in the Americas, most of whom are unaware of their status due to lack of clinical manifestations and poor access to diagnosis. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used for screening for different infections (HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis), and their application for ChD would facilitate access to diagnosis, especially in remote areas where health services have scarce resources. We conducted a prospective intervention study in 2018 to evaluate in the field two in vitro RDTs for ChD, authorized by the National Administration of Medicaments, Aliments, and Medical Technologies of Argentina (ANMAT), in areas of endemicity and nonendemicity in Argentina.

Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease [ChD]) affects around 7 million people in the Americas, most of whom are unaware of their status due to lack of clinical manifestations and poor access to diagnosis. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are widely used for screening for different infections (HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis), and their application for ChD would facilitate access to diagnosis, especially in remote areas where health services have scarce resources. We conducted a prospective intervention study in 2018 to evaluate in the field two in vitro RDTs for ChD, authorized by the National Administration of Medicaments, Aliments, and Medical Technologies of Argentina (ANMAT), in areas of endemicity and nonendemicity in Argentina. We recruited 607 volunteers older than 18 years in Salta province and the city of Buenos Aires. The RDTs Ab Standard Diagnostics SD Bioline (SD) and Check Chagas Wiener Lab (WL) were performed in situ with whole-blood samples, and confirmatory serology was done at a reference center. The rate of infection with T. cruzi was 17.8% (108/607). The SD test showed 97.2% sensitivity (95% confidence interval [CI], 93.5 to 100) and 91.7% specificity (95% CI, 96.2 to 99.2%), and the WL test showed 93.4% sensitivity (95% CI, 88.2 to 98.6%) and 99.1% specificity (95% CI, 91.9 to 100%). The sensitivity and specificity for the two RDTs tested were higher than previously reported. These results encourage the use of the tested RDTs in Salta province and for further field studies for the implementation of these RDTs in other epidemiological scenarios. This will be very important to improve access to diagnosis of Chagas and its clinical management as a neglected disease, especially in remote areas with health access barriers.

Performance of non-laboratory staff for diagnostic testing and specimen collection in HIV programs: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In most high HIV burden countries, many HIV patients do not have reliable access to required diagnostic laboratory tests. Task shifting of clinical tasks to lower cadres of health care workers and lay counselors has been successful in scaling up treatment for HIV and may also be an effective strategy in expanding access to essential diagnostic testing.

METHODS

We screened major electronic databases between 1 January 2005 to 26 August 2018 to identify studies assessing ease of use and accuracy of task shifting of HIV-related diagnostic testing and/or specimen collection to non-laboratory health staff. Two independent reviewers screened all titles and abstracts for studies that analyzed diagnostic accuracy, patient impact, ease-of-use, or cost-effectiveness. Studies were assessed for quality, bias, and applicability following the QUADAS-2 framework. We generated summary estimates using random-effects meta-analyses.

RESULTS

We identified 42 relevant studies. Overall, point-of-care CD4 testing performed by non-laboratory staff had a mean bias of -54.44 (95% CI: -72.40 --36.48) compared to conventional laboratory-based. Though studies were limited, the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care alanine transaminase enzyme (ALT) and hemoglobin testing performed by non-laboratory staff was comparable to conventional laboratory-based testing by laboratory professionals. Point-of-care testing and/or specimen collection were generally found to be acceptable and easy to use for non-laboratory staff.

CONCLUSIONS

Task shifting of testing using point-of-care technologies to non-laboratory staff was comparable to laboratory professionals operating the same technology in the laboratory. Some variability was observed comparing the performance of point-of-care CD4 testing by non-laboratory staff to conventional laboratory-based technologies by laboratory professionals indicating potential lower performance was likely technological rather than operator caused. The benefits of task shifting of testing may outweigh any possible harms as task shifting allows for increased decentralization, access of specific diagnostics, and faster result delivery.

Bior B, W. Dumo G, S. Katoro J, Mogga JJH, Lokore ML, G. Abias A, Y. Carter J, L. Deng L. Field evaluation of SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo assay among pregnant women attending routine antenatal care in Juba, South Sudan

The SD BIOLINE HIV/Syphilis Duo assay is the first World Health Organization prequalified dual rapid diagnostic test for simultaneous detection of HIV and Treponema pallidum antibodies in human blood. Prior to introducing the test into antenatal clinics across South Sudan, a field evaluation of its clinical performance in diagnosing both HIV and syphilis in pregnant women was conducted. SD Bioline test performance on venous blood samples was compared with (i) Vironostika HIV1/2 Uniform II Ag/Ab reference standard and Alere Determine HIV 1/2 non-reference standard for HIV diagnosis, and (ii) Treponema pallidum hemagglutination reference standard and Rapid plasma reagin non-reference standard for syphilis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPN), negative predictive value (NPV) and kappa (κ) value were calculated for each component against the reference standards within 95% confidence intervals (CIs); agreements between Determine HIV 1/2 and SD Bioline HIV tests were also calculated. Of 442 pregnant women recruited, eight (1.8%) were HIV positive, 22 (5.0%) had evidence of syphilis exposure; 14 (3.2%) had active infection. For HIV diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 100% (95% CI: 63.1–100), 100% (95% CI: 99.2–100), 100% (95% CI: 63.1–100) and 100% (95% CI: 99.2–100) respectively with κ value of 1 (95% CI: 0.992–1.000). Overall agreement of the Duo HIV component and Determine test was 99.1% (95% CI: 0.977–0.998) with 66.7% (95% CI: 34.9–90.1) positive and 100% (95% CI: 0.992–1.000) negative percent agreements. For syphilis, the Duo assay sensitivity was 86.4% (95% CI: 65.1–97.1) and specificity 100% (95% CI: 99.1–100) with PPV 100% (95% CI: 82.4–100), NPV 99.2% (95% CI: 97.9–99.9) and κ value 0.92 (95% CI: 0.980–0.999). Our findings suggest the SD Bioline HIV/Syphilis Duo Assay could be suitable for HIV and syphilis testing in women attending antenatal services across South Sudan. Women with positive syphilis results should receive treatment immediately, whereas HIV positive women should undergo confirmatory testing following national HIV testing guidelines.