We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
PURITAN MEDICAL

Download Mobile App




Three Methods Evaluated for Malaria Detection

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 23 May 2017
Print article
Image: Malaria parasites in a red blood cell (Photo courtesy of SPL).
Image: Malaria parasites in a red blood cell (Photo courtesy of SPL).
Malaria is a debilitating disease with high morbidity and mortality in Africa, commonly caused by different species of the genus Plasmodium in humans. Misdiagnosis is a major challenge in endemic areas because of other disease complications and technical expertise of the medical laboratory staff.

The microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films has been used for the laboratory diagnosis of malaria for many years. The limitation of microscopy led to the development of reliable, easy-to-perform rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) to detect the presence of malaria parasites at levels of accuracy compared to skilled microscopists.

Scientists at the Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo and their colleagues used simple random sampling of a populations comprised of individuals who had shown clinical signs of malaria and in whom test for malaria parasite have been requested for by clinicians. The subject population included persons of different age groups such as children, adults and pregnant women. Peripheral blood samples were collected by finger prick and by venipuncture.

The study participants were screened for malaria parasites using Giemsa-stained malaria microscopy, three RDT kits, among the specimens collected, a total of 50 were randomly selected for nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Three different commercially available RDT kits for malaria parasites having different sensitivity and specificity were used to detect malaria parasites in the blood samples. These were; Carestart, SD Bioline PF and SD Bioline PF/PV. Molecular analysis was performed using a PCR technique based on amplification of 18s rRNA genes.

The team reported that malaria parasite was detected in 109/420 (25.95%) of the subjects by microscopy and all the species detected by microscopy were observed to be P. falciparum. Among the subjects studied, 96 (22.9%), 64 (15.2%) and 230 (54.8%) were positive by Carestart, SD Bioline PF and SD Bioline PF/PV respectively. Among the specimens that were subjected to molecular analysis, 16 (32.0%) were positive while 34 (68.0%) were negative for Plasmodium genes. Plasmodium falciparum was observed in all positive cases, P. malariae was present in 5/16 cases while P. ovale was present in 1/16 subject. Both of the latter species were present as co-infection with P. falciparum in all the subjects they were found.

The authors concluded that microscopy is still a good method for the diagnosis of malaria and having a good measure of agreement with PCR. Hence it is recommended that the laboratory diagnosis of malaria be performed using both microscopy and RDT of high sensitivity and specificity. The combination of these methods will ensure that laboratory reports on malaria diagnosis are of very high accuracy. The study was published on May 6, 2017, in the Malaria Journal.

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
Gold Member
Real-time PCR System
GentierX3 Series

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.