The Comparison of Microscopic Method and Rapid Diagnostic Test in Detecting Plasmodium species

Abstract

Background: Since Iran is one of the malaria endemic areas, diagnosis of this disease is important. Although the microscopic study of stained peripheral blood smears is as a gold standard of malaria diagnosis, this method requires a microscope, the equipment, and trained people. Because of some problems associated with microscopic method in some situations, rapid diagnostic test (RDTs) can be a suitable alternative. Nevertheless, then diagnosis of malaria should be approved by microscopic Objectives: The rapid diagnosis of disease and treatment of patients is necessary to identify the contributing factors and break the cycle of transmission. In order to achieve this goal, we need a method that requires no special equipment such as microscopes, paint trays, and specially trained technicians for microscopic detection method Patients and Methods: Blood sample were drawn from the finger of 178 patients with suspected malaria by a technician. Two methods of microscopic detection and RDT kits with immune chromatographic procedures were employed to diagnose malaria. Finally, all slides and cassettes of RDT kits were transferred to Zahedan for reviewing and control. Results: After data collection, the results of 178 samples were reported according to the Plasmodium species. RDT detected 71.4% of Plasmodium vivax while microscopic method had detected all the cases (100%). Although there was a significant difference between two methods of diagnosis in detecting P. vivax (P < 0.05), the results were the same in diagnosing Plasmodium falciparum (100%). Conclusions: Our study showed that only 71.4% of all positive samples for P. vivax were detected by RDT. The results were the same for both methods in diagnosis of P. falciparum.

Summary of discordant results between rapid diagnosis tests, microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction for detecting Plasmodium mixed infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Among the 28 articles included in the present study, 3 reported mixed infections by RDT type 2 (pf-HRP2/pan-aldolase) and microscopy 27 , 41 , 51 , 13 by RDT type 3 (pf-HRP2/pan-pLDH) and microscopy 19 , 21 , 27 , 28 , 30 , 31 , 33 , 35 , 38 , 40 , 43 , 44 , 47 , 3 by type 4 (Pf-LDH/pan-pLDH) and microscopy 34 , 36 , 51 , 1 by RDT type 5 (Pf/Pv-pLDH) 46 , and 9 by RDT type 6 (pf-HRP2/Pv-pLDH) 21 , 26 , 36 , 42 , 43 , 46 , 48 – 50 . Among 27 articles included in the present study, 1 reported mixed infections by RDT type 2 and PCR 32 , 5 on RDTs type 3 and PCR 21 , 28 , 33 , 43 , 45 and 5 by RDT type 6 and PCR 21 , 26 , 29 , 37 , 43 .…”

“…Ref. 47 Khorashad et al, 2014 Iran (2009–2010) Febrile patients (178) 52 47 5 Thick and thin blood films Malaria 102 (p.f/p.v) POCT kits (InTec Products Inc., China) pf-HRP2/pan-pLDH 3 40 35 5 a ND 17. Ref.…”

“…The results of the WHO product testing of malaria RDTs are demonstrated in Table 2 . RDTs from the eight studies 30 , 34 , 36 , 40 , 41 , 46 , 49 , 51 were not subject to the WHO product testing program as these RDTs were developed and used before 2008, while the results of malaria RDTs from the four studies 28 , 37 , 43 , 47 was not found on the WHO testing product.…”

Comparison of PfHRP-2/pLDH RDTs with Light Microscopy in a Low Prevalence Setting in Southeastern Iran, Sistan and Baluchestan: Due to Implementation of Malaria Elimination Program

“…Much endeavors and progress has been made by the WHO to control and eradicate malaria (4). Iran is a malaria endemic area and malaria is regarded as a main health medical challenge in this area (5,6). Frequency of malaria has recently declined as a result of the endeavors of health establishments and specialists in Sistan and Baluchestan Province (5).…”

“…Iran is a malaria endemic area and malaria is regarded as a main health medical challenge in this area (5,6). Frequency of malaria has recently declined as a result of the endeavors of health establishments and specialists in Sistan and Baluchestan Province (5). Whereas parasite-based identification is growing, most doubted cases of malaria are not suitably diagnosed and thus disease monitoring continues to be obscure (7).…”