Compression between Direct Blood Films, Rapid Diagnostic Test, and Molecular tests for detection of Plasmodium vivax malaria

Abstract

P. vivax malaria has a wide distribution, recently it has been observed in Ethiopia and Sudan,

and it is more difficult to control because of the hypnozoite forms of the parasite. Using

treatment with primaquine is based on results from laboratory examination. Accurate

diagnosis is becoming increasingly important both for individual case management and for

P.vivax malaria surveillance. Methods: A total of 422 blood samples were examined by

microscopy for P.vivax malaria, with a subset also examined by polymerase chain reaction

(PCR) and rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). The performances of these diagnostic methods were

compared. Results: A total of 206 samples were positive, and 216 were negative for P.vivax

by microscopy. When compared to the results of RDTs, RDTs had sensitivity and specificity

of 86%, 88% respectively. PCR had sensitivity and specificity of 93%, 94% respectively.

Conclusions: Microscopy is a reliable method in rural areas where malaria is often seen, but

RDT’s offer a good alternative method for remote areas where have no facilities for

microscopy. Development of an easy and cheap molecular detection system makes it

promising tools for the near future.