Study of Three Malaria Rapid Detection Tests and Its Correlation With Parasitic Index for P.FALCIPARUM and P.VIVAX

Abstract

Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of three Malaria rapid antigen detection tests(RDTs) .To study the sensitivity of the RDTs in relation to parasitic index . Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital. Peripheral smear were prepared and stained.Parasite index was calculated. Three rapid antigen detection tests ; Optimal – IT, Paramax-3 and QDx malaria PAN/PF were tested. Results: Sensitivity for Optimal – IT was highest (98.47%). QDx malaria PAN/Pf gave highest specificity (97%). All the three RDTs gave sensitivity of 100% at a parasitic index of more than 100 parasites per µl. Sensitivity of Optimal – IT and QDx malaria PAN/Pf for P falciparum and P vivax was 100% and 88.88% respectively at a parasitic index of 51-100 parasites/ µl. Conclusion: Malaria RDTs are a good diagnostic tool in health care set ups where quick results are desired and expert microscopy is not available.