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Stauning MA, Jensen CS, Staalsøe T, Kurtzhals JAL. Detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: a proof of concept study. Malar J 2023; 22:285. [PMID: 37752504 PMCID: PMC10523782 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04719-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) has revolutionized identification of bacteria and is becoming available in an increasing number of laboratories in malaria-endemic countries. The purpose of this proof-of-concept study was to explore the potential of MALDI-TOF as a diagnostic tool for direct detection and quantification of Plasmodium falciparum in human blood. METHODS Three different P. falciparum strains (3D7, HB3 and IT4) were cultured and synchronized following standard protocols. Ring-stages were diluted in fresh blood group 0 blood drawn in EDTA from healthy subjects to mimic clinical samples. Samples were treated with saponin and washed in PBS to concentrate protein material. Samples were analysed using a Microflex LT MALDI-TOF and resulting mass spectra were compared using FlexAnalysis software. RESULTS More than 10 peaks specific for P. falciparum were identified. The identified peaks were consistent among the three genetically unrelated strains. Identification was possible in clinically relevant concentrations of 0.1% infected red blood cells, and a close relationship between peak intensity and the percentage of infected red blood cells was seen. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that the method has the potential to detect and quantify P. falciparum at clinically relevant infection intensities and provides proof-of-concept for MALDI-TOF-based diagnosis of human malaria. Further research is needed to include other Plasmodium spp., wildtype parasite isolates and to increase sensitivity. MALDI-TOF may be a useful tool for mass-screening purposes and for diagnosis of malaria in settings where it is readily available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Ahm Stauning
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Christian Salgård Jensen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Trine Staalsøe
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen A L Kurtzhals
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Anjorin ET, Olulaja ON, Osoba ME, Oyadiran OT, Ogunsanya AO, Akinade ON, Inuojo JM. Overtreatment of malaria in the Nigerian healthcare setting: prescription practice, rationale and consequences. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 45:111. [PMID: 37745920 PMCID: PMC10516759 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.45.111.31780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Nigeria is one of the countries in the world with the highest burden of malaria, accounting for a quarter of all cases in Africa. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, microscopic examination remains the gold standard for laboratory confirmation of malaria. However, the policy and practice of presumptive treatment of malaria for all febrile illnesses has been widely advocated in sub-Saharan Africa. Presumptive management of fevers and/or other symptoms of malaria results in over-diagnosis, and consequently overtreatment. This article discusses the overtreatment of malaria as practiced in Nigeria and other African regions against standard treatment guidelines, highlights a wide range of its associated effects on patients and proffers possible solutions to curb the unethical practice of malaria overtreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olufemi Nicholas Olulaja
- African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer´s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Moyosoore Emmanuel Osoba
- African Center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), Redeemer´s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
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Oviedo A, Abubakar A, Uhomoibhi P, Maire M, Inyang U, Audu B, Iriemenam NC, Ogunniyi A, Ssekitooleko J, Kalambo JA, Greby SM, Mba N, Swaminathan M, Ihekweazu C, Okoye MI, Rogier E, Steinhardt LC. Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence among children aged 6-59 months from independent DHS and HIV surveys: Nigeria, 2018. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1998. [PMID: 36737630 PMCID: PMC9898257 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28257-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevalence estimates are critical for malaria programming efforts but generating these from non-malaria surveys is not standard practice. Malaria prevalence estimates for 6-59-month-old Nigerian children were compared between two national household surveys performed simultaneously in 2018: a Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS). DHS tested via microscopy (n = 8298) and HRP2-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT, n = 11,351), and NAIIS collected dried blood spots (DBS) which were later tested for histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) antigen (n = 8029). National Plasmodium falciparum prevalence was 22.6% (95% CI 21.2- 24.1%) via microscopy and 36.2% (34.6- 37.8%) via RDT according to DHS, and HRP2 antigenemia was 38.3% (36.7-39.9%) by NAIIS DBS. Between the two surveys, significant rank-order correlation occurred for state-level malaria prevalence for RDT (Rho = 0.80, p < 0.001) and microscopy (Rho = 0.75, p < 0.001) versus HRP2. RDT versus HRP2 positivity showed 24 states (64.9%) with overlapping 95% confidence intervals from the two independent surveys. P. falciparum prevalence estimates among 6-59-month-olds in Nigeria were highly concordant from two simultaneous, independently conducted household surveys, regardless of malaria test utilized. This provides evidence for the value of post-hoc laboratory HRP2 detection to leverage non-malaria surveys with similar sampling designs to obtain accurate P. falciparum estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adan Oviedo
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30029, USA
| | - Ado Abubakar
- Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Perpetua Uhomoibhi
- National Malaria Elimination Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mark Maire
- US President's Malaria Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Uwem Inyang
- United States Agency for International Development, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Bala Audu
- National Malaria Elimination Programme, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Nnaemeka C Iriemenam
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - James Ssekitooleko
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jo-Angeline Kalambo
- The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stacie M Greby
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Nwando Mba
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mahesh Swaminathan
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - McPaul I Okoye
- Division of Global HIV and TB, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Eric Rogier
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30029, USA
| | - Laura C Steinhardt
- Malaria Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30029, USA.
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Application of egg yolk IgY on carboxylated polypyrrole films for impedimetric detection of PfHRP2 antigen. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 148:108273. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Zhou G, Hemming-Schroeder E, Jeang B, Wang X, Zhong D, Lee MC, Li Y, Bradley L, Gobran SR, David RE, Ondeto BM, Orondo P, Atieli H, Githure JI, Githeko AK, Kazura J, Yan G. Irrigation-Induced Environmental Changes Sustain Malaria Transmission and Compromise Intervention Effectiveness. J Infect Dis 2022; 226:1657-1666. [PMID: 36056912 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irrigated agriculture enhances food security, but it potentially promotes mosquito-borne disease transmission and affects vector intervention effectiveness. This study was conducted in the irrigated and nonirrigated areas of rural Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties, Kenya. METHODS We performed cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys to determine Plasmodium infection prevalence, clinical malaria incidence, molecular force of infection (molFOI), and multiplicity of infection. We examined the impact of irrigation on the effectiveness of the new interventions. RESULTS We found that irrigation was associated with >2-fold higher Plasmodium infection prevalence and 3-fold higher clinical malaria incidence compared to the nonirrigated area. Residents in the irrigated area experienced persistent, low-density parasite infections and higher molFOI. Addition of indoor residual spraying was effective in reducing malaria burden, but the reduction was more pronounced in the nonirrigated area than in the irrigated area. CONCLUSIONS Our findings collectively suggest that irrigation may sustain and enhance Plasmodium transmission and affects intervention effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hemming-Schroeder
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Brook Jeang
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Yiji Li
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.,Department of Pathogen Biology, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Lauren Bradley
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Sabrina R Gobran
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Randy E David
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Benyl M Ondeto
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Pauline Orondo
- Department of Biochemistry, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Harrysone Atieli
- School of Public Health and Community Development, Maseno University, Kisumu, Kenya.,International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Tom Mboya University College, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - John I Githure
- International Center of Excellence for Malaria Research, Tom Mboya University College, Homa Bay, Kenya
| | - Andrew K Githeko
- Centre for Global Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - James Kazura
- Center for Global Health and Disease, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
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Martiáñez-Vendrell X, Skjefte M, Sikka R, Gupta H. Factors Affecting the Performance of HRP2-Based Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7100265. [PMID: 36288006 PMCID: PMC9611031 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7100265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global malaria elimination programs, resulting in a sharp increase in malaria morbidity and mortality. To reduce this impact, unmet needs in malaria diagnostics must be addressed while resuming malaria elimination activities. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), the unsung hero in malaria diagnosis, work to eliminate the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria through their efficient, cost-effective, and user-friendly qualities in detecting the antigen HRP2 (histidine-rich protein 2), among other proteins. However, the testing mechanism and management of malaria with RDTs presents a variety of limitations. This paper discusses the numerous factors (including parasitic, host, and environmental) that limit the performance of RDTs. Additionally, the paper explores outside factors that can hinder RDT performance. By understanding these factors that affect the performance of HRP2-based RDTs in the field, researchers can work toward creating and implementing more effective and accurate HRP2-based diagnostic tools. Further research is required to understand the extent of these factors, as the rapidly changing interplay between parasite and host directly hinders the effectiveness of the tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Martiáñez-Vendrell
- Molecular Virology Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology, LUMC Center for Infectious Diseases (LU-CID), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands or
| | - Malia Skjefte
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ruhi Sikka
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura 281406, UP, India
| | - Himanshu Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Applied Sciences & Humanities, GLA University, Mathura 281406, UP, India
- Correspondence: or
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Kiemde F, Compaore A, Koueta F, Some AM, Kabore B, Valia D, Rouamba T, Bocoum FY, Sawadogo S, Nana M, Some DY, Kone NA, Pagbeleguem V, Sangare I, Bere AW, Bonko MDA, Tougri G, Youl SY, Schallig H, Tinto H. Development and evaluation of an electronic algorithm using a combination of a two-step malaria RDT and other rapid diagnostic tools for the management of febrile illness in children under 5 attending outpatient facilities in Burkina Faso. Trials 2022; 23:779. [PMID: 36109766 PMCID: PMC9476427 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06717-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), febrile illnesses remain a major public health problem in children. However, the persistence of hrp2 antigen and the low sensitivity of pLDH RDT negatively affect antimalarials and antibiotics prescription practices. These limitations lead to poor management of febrile diseases and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To improve the diagnosis of these febrile diseases and subsequent prescription of antimicrobials, it is hypothesized that the implementation of an algorithm including a two-step malaria RDT PfHRP2/pLDH supported by point-of-care (PoC) tests for bacterial infections could significantly improve the management of febrile diseases and thereby tackling AMR. Methods To assess the value of the proposed algorithm, an open-label randomized controlled trial with three arms, enrolling febrile children from 6 to 59 months is proposed. In the control arm, febrile children will be managed according to the Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI), which is part of the standard of care in Burkina Faso. Treatment will be done according to national guidelines. In the RDT decisional algorithm (RDT-DA) arm (intervention), the clinical examination based on IMIC will be supported by a two-step malaria RDT and bacterial infections RDTs. Prescription will be left to the discretion of the healthcare workers based on clinical examination and PoC test results. In the e-algorithm arm (intervention), artificial intelligence integrating multiple layers of clinical information such as clinical examination, signs/symptoms and medical history, and biological information such as biomarkers (CRP and WBC) and pathogen-specific PoC tests, and oximetry will be developed. The e-algorithm will serve to guide the diagnostic and management of febrile infections in children. In the 3 arms, the case report forms will be digitalized. A final follow-up visit (day 7) will be scheduled for all participants. Patients will be asked to come back to the health facilities before the scheduled visit if the symptoms persist or in case of health condition worsening. Discussion If successful, this study could contribute to improve the management of febrile diseases and reduce inappropriate use of antimicrobials. Trial registration The trial is registered at ClinicalTrial.gov, NCT05285657. Enrolment started on 4 March 2022 with long-term outcome being assessed completely by 2023.
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Feleke SM, Gidey B, Mohammed H, Nega D, Dillu D, Haile M, Solomon H, Parr JB, Tollera G, Tasew G, Mamo H, Petros B. Field performance of Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase rapid diagnostic tests during a large histidine-rich protein 2 deletion survey in Ethiopia. Malar J 2022; 21:236. [PMID: 35971118 PMCID: PMC9377056 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04257-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have expanded diagnostic service to remote endemic communities in Ethiopia, where 70% of malaria services per annum are reliant on them. However, diagnostic strategies are threatened by Plasmodium falciparum parasites with deletions of the histidine-rich protein 2 and/or 3 (pfhrp2/3) genes. Studies have reported pfhrp2/3 gene deletion prevalence in Ethiopia that exceeds the WHO recommended threshold to switch to non-HRP2 targeted RDTs for detection of P. falciparum. Therefore, RDTs that target alternative antigens, such as P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH) are increasingly in programmatic use. Methods Malaria suspected patients visiting health facilities of Amhara, Tigray, Gambella, and Oromia regions of Ethiopia were screened by community health workers using Carestart Pf/Pv (HRP2/Pv-LDH) and SD-Bioline Pf (HRP2 for Pf/LDH for Pf) RDTs. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples were collected from selected patients for molecular and serological analysis. The clinical data and RDT results were recorded on standard forms, entered into EpiInfo, and analysed using STATA. The Pf-LDH detecting RDT results were compared with real-time PCR and bead-based immunoassay to determine their diagnostic performance. Results The 13,172 (56% male and 44% female, median age of 19 years ranging from 1 to 99 year) study participants were enrolled and tested with PfHRP2 and PfLDH detection RDTs; 20.6% (95% CI: 19.6 to 21.6) were P. falciparum RDT positive. A subset of samples (n = 820) were previously tested using P. falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (pfldh) quantitative real-time PCR, and 456 of these further characterized using bead-based immunoassay. The proportion of samples positive for P. falciparum by the PfHRP2 Carestart and SD-Bioline RDTs were 66% (539/820) and 59% (481/820), respectively; 68% (561/820) were positive for the PfLDH band on the SD-Bioline RDT. The sensitivity and specificity of the PfLDH RDT band were 69% and 38%, respectively, versus pfldh qPCR; and 72% and 36%, respectively, versus PfLDH detection by immunoassay. Among samples with results for RDT, qPCR, and immunoassay, higher proportions of P. falciparum were recorded by pfldh qPCR (90%, 411/456) and PfLDH immunoassay (88%, 363/413) compared to the PfLDH band on the SD-Bioline RDT (74.6%, 340/456). Conclusion and recommendation Both PfHRP2 RDTs detected fewer P. falciparum cases than PfLDH, and fewer cases than qPCR or immunoassay. The poor sensitivity and specificity of the PfLDH RDT compared to qPCR and to immunoassay in this study raises concern. Continuous operator training and RDTs quality assurance programme to ensure quality diagnostic services are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Desalegn Nega
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | | | | | - Jonathan B Parr
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Geremew Tasew
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hassen Mamo
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Beyene Petros
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Naing C, Htet NH, Aye SN, Aung HH, Tanner M, Whittaker MA. Detection of asymptomatic malaria in Asian countries: a meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy. Malar J 2022; 21:50. [PMID: 35172833 PMCID: PMC8848787 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04082-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Achieving malaria elimination requires the targeting of the human reservoir of infection, including those patients with asymptomatic infection. The objective was to synthesise evidence on the accuracy of the rapid-onsite diagnostic tests (RDTs) and microscopy for the detection of asymptomatic malaria as part of the surveillance activities in Asian countries. Methods This was a meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy. Relevant studies that evaluated the diagnostic performance of RDTs and microscopy for detection of asymptomatic malaria were searched in health-related electronic databases. The methodological quality of the studies included was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results Ten studies assessing RDT and/or microscopy were identified. The diagnostic accuracies in all these studies were verified by PCR. Overall, the pooled sensitivities of RDT, as well as microscopy for detection of any malaria parasites in asymptomatic participants, were low, while their pooled specificities were almost ideal. For the detection of Plasmodium falciparum, pooled sensitivity by RDT (59%, 95%CI:16–91%) or microscopy (55%, 95%CI: 25–82%) were almost comparable. For detection of Plasmodium vivax, pooled sensitivity of RDT (51%, 95% CI:7–94%) had also the comparable accuracy of microscopy (54%, 95%CI,11–92%). Of note are the wide range of sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that RDTs and microscopy have limited sensitivity and are inappropriate for the detection of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections. Other methods including a combination of PCR-based strategies, Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) technique must be considered to target these infections, in order to achieve malaria elimination. However, more data is needed for the wide acceptance and feasibility of these approaches. Studies to explore the role of asymptomatic and sub-patent infections in the transmission of malaria are of critical importance and are recommended. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04082-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cho Naing
- International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. .,James Cook University, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Douglas, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Saint Nway Aye
- International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Htar Htar Aung
- International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maxine A Whittaker
- James Cook University, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Douglas, QLD, Australia
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Diagnostic Accuracy of CareStart™ Malaria HRP2 and SD Bioline Pf/PAN for Malaria in Febrile Outpatients in Varying Malaria Transmission Settings in Cameroon. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11091556. [PMID: 34573898 PMCID: PMC8469216 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11091556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There was an increase in the number of malaria cases in Cameroon in 2018 that could reflect changes in provider practice, despite effective interventions. In this study, we assessed the diagnostic performance of two malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) for diagnostic confirmation of suspected cases of malaria in public and private health facilities in two malaria transmission settings in Cameroon. Methods: We evaluated the diagnostic performance of CareStart pf and SD Bioline Pf/PAN mRDT and compared these parameters by RDT type and transmission setting. Nested PCR and blood film microscopy were used as references. The chi square test was used for independent sample comparisons, while the McNemar’s test was used to test for the dependence of categorical data in paired sample testing. A p < 0.05 was considered significant in all comparisons. The R (v.4.0.2) software was used for analyses. Results: A total of 1126 participants consented for the study in the four sites. The diagnostic accuracy of the CareStart Pf mRDT was 0.93.6% (0.911–0.961) in Yaoundé, 0.930% (0.90–0.960) in Ngounso, 0.84% (0.794–0.891) in St Vincent Catholic Hospital Dschang and 0.407 (0.345–0.468) in Dschang district hospital. For SD Bioline Pf/PAN the accuracy was 0.759 (0.738–0.846) for St Vincent Catholic Hospital Dschang and 0.426 (0.372–0.496) for the Dschang district hospital. The accuracy was slightly lower in each case but not statistically different when PCR was considered as the reference. The likelihood ratios of the positive and negative tests were high in the high transmission settings of Yaoundé (10.99 (6.24–19.35)) and Ngounso (14.40 (7.89–26.28)) compared to the low transmission settings of Dschang (0.71 (0.37–1.37)) and St Vincent Catholic hospital (7.37 (4.32−12.59)). There was a high degree of agreement between the tests in Yaoundé (Cohen’s Kappa: 0.85 ± 0.05 (0.7–0.95)) and Ngounso (Cohen’s Kappa: 0.86 ± 0.05 (0.74, 0.97)) and moderate agreement in St Vincent hospital Dschang (k: 0.58 ± 0.06 (0.44–0.71)) and poor agreement in the District Hospital Dschang (Cohen’s Kappa: −0.11 ± 0.05 (−0.21–0.01)). The diagnostic indicators of the SD Bioline Pf/PAN were slightly better than for CareStart Pf mRDT in St Vincent Catholic hospital Dschang, irrespective of the reference test. Conclusions: Publicly procured malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Cameroon have maintained high accuracy (91–94%) in the clinical diagnosis of malaria in high malaria transmission regions of Cameroon, although they failed to reach WHO standards. We observed an exception in the low transmission region of Dschang, West region, where the accuracy tended to be lower and variable between facilities located in this town. These results underscore the importance of the routine monitoring of the quality and performance of malaria RDTs in diverse settings in malaria endemic areas.
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Abstract
Highlights (1) Blood culture is the gold standard for the diagnosis of bacterial infections. (2) Bone marrow culture is more sensitive than blood culture even in patients with enteric fever receiving antibiotics. (3) Microscopic agglutination test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing leptospirosis; however, now IgM ELISA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are more frequently used for diagnosis. (4) Tuberculosis is diagnosed with the help of nucleic acid amplification tests like Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra which also detects rifampicin resistance. Other tests include microscopy, Lowenstein-Jensen and mycobacteria growth indicator tube culture, line probe assay. (5) Tropical rickettsial infections are diagnosed by serological reactions (Weil-Felix, ELISA for antibodies) and PCR. (6) For Brucellosis culture from blood, bone marrow or tissue specimens remain the mainstay in diagnosis. (7) Dengue, Zika, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Ebola, hantavirus, rabies are diagnosed with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Serological tests like IgM ELISA or paired sera samples for IgG are also used for diagnosis. How to cite this article Basu S, Shetty A. Laboratory Diagnosis of Tropical Infections. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(Suppl 2):S122-S126.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoli Basu
- Department of Microbiology, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anjali Shetty
- Department of Microbiology, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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12
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Vengesai A, Naicker T, Kasambala M, Midzi H, Mduluza-Jokonya T, Rusakaniko S, Mduluza T. Clinical utility of peptide microarrays in the serodiagnosis of neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a diagnostic test accuracy systematic review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042279. [PMID: 34330850 PMCID: PMC8327806 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neglected tropical diseases tend to cluster in the same poor populations and, to make progress with their control, they will have to be dealt with in an integrated manner. Peptide microarrays may be a solution to these problems, where diagnosis for co-infection can be detected simultaneously using the one tool. A meta-analysis using hierarchical models will be performed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of peptide microarrays for detecting schistosomiasis (Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium), soil-transmitted helminths (Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and Necator americanus), trachoma (Chlamydia trachomatis), lymphatic filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti) and onchocerciasis (Onchocerca volvulus) in people residing in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A comprehensive search of the following databases will be performed: Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialised Register, PubMed, EMBASE and The Web of Science. Studies comparing peptide microarrays with a reference standard from a random or consecutive series of patients will be included in the study. Two review authors will independently screen titles and abstracts for relevance, assess full-text articles for inclusion and carry out data extraction using a tailored data extraction form. The quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool will be used to assess the quality of the selected studies. The bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve model will be performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the peptide microarrays. Meta-regression analyses will be performed to investigate heterogeneity across studies. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION There is no requirement for ethical approval because the work will be carried out using previously published data, without human beings involvement. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publication and in conference presentations. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42020175145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Vengesai
- Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Science, Harare, Zimbabwe
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Maritha Kasambala
- Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Herald Midzi
- Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Science, Harare, Zimbabwe
- College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | | | - Takafira Mduluza
- Biotechnology and Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Science, Harare, Zimbabwe
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13
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Danwang C, Noubiap JJ, Souopgui J, Gaudart J, Yombi JC, Robert A. Accuracy of malaria diagnostic tests performed on non-invasively collected samples: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005634. [PMID: 34078631 PMCID: PMC8173286 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background During the last decade, many studies have assessed the performance of malaria tests on non-invasively collected specimens, but no systematic review has hitherto estimated the overall performance of these tests. We report here the first meta-analysis estimating the diagnostic performance of malaria diagnostic tests performed on saliva, urine, faeces, skin odour (‘sniff and tell’) and hair, using either microscopy or PCR on blood sample as reference test. Methods We searched on PubMed, EMBASE, African Journals Online and Cochrane Infectious Diseases from inception until 19 January 2021 for relevant primary studies. A random effects model was used to estimate the overall performance of various diagnostic methods on different types of specimen. Results Eighteen studies providing 30 data sets were included in the meta-analysis. The overall sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic OR (DOR) of PCR were 84.5% (95% CI 79.3% to 88.6%), 97.3% (95% CI 95.3% to 98.5%) and 184.9 (95% CI 95.8 to 356.9) in saliva, respectively; 57.4% (95% CI 41.4% to 72.1%), 98.6% (95% CI 97.3% to 99.3%) and 47.2 (95% CI 22.1 to 101.1) in urine, respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity and DOR of rapid diagnostic test for malaria in urine was 59.8% (95% CI 40.0% to 76.9%), 96.9% (95% CI 91.0% to 99.0%) and 30.8 (95% CI:23.5 to 40.4). Conclusion In settings where PCR is available, saliva and urine samples should be considered for PCR-based malaria diagnosis only if blood samples cannot be collected. The performance of rapid diagnostic testing in the urine is limited, especially its sensitivity. Malaria testing on non-invasively collected specimen still needs substantial improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celestin Danwang
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean Jacques Noubiap
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia's, Australia
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Universite Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Jean Gaudart
- Aix Marseille Univ, IRD, INSERM, SESSTIM, ISSPAM, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hop Timone, BioSTIC, Biostatistics & ICT, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Cyr Yombi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Annie Robert
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Vengesai A, Midzi H, Kasambala M, Mutandadzi H, Mduluza-Jokonya TL, Rusakaniko S, Mutapi F, Naicker T, Mduluza T. A systematic and meta-analysis review on the diagnostic accuracy of antibodies in the serological diagnosis of COVID-19. Syst Rev 2021; 10:155. [PMID: 34039423 PMCID: PMC8152206 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01689-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serological testing based on different antibody types are an alternative method being used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2 and has the potential of having higher diagnostic accuracy compared to the current gold standard rRT-PCR. Therefore, the objective of this review was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of IgG and IgM based point-of-care (POC) lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA), chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay (CLIA), fluorescence enzyme-linked immunoassay (FIA) and ELISA systems that detect SARS-CoV-2 antigens. METHOD A systematic literature search was carried out in PubMed, Medline complete and MedRxiv. Studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of serological assays for SARS-CoV-2 were eligible. Study selection and data-extraction were performed by two authors independently. QUADAS-2 checklist tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. The bivariate model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve model were performed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the serological tests. Subgroup meta-analysis was performed to explore the heterogeneity. RESULTS The pooled sensitivity for IgG (n = 17), IgM (n = 16) and IgG-IgM (n = 24) based LFIA tests were 0.5856, 0.4637 and 0.6886, respectively compared to rRT-PCR method. The pooled sensitivity for IgG (n = 9) and IgM (n = 10) based CLIA tests were 0.9311 and 0.8516, respectively compared to rRT-PCR. The pooled sensitivity the IgG (n = 10), IgM (n = 11) and IgG-IgM (n = 5) based ELISA tests were 0.8292, 0.8388 and 0.8531 respectively compared to rRT-PCR. All tests displayed high specificities ranging from 0.9693 to 0.9991. Amongst the evaluated tests, IgG based CLIA expressed the highest sensitivity signifying its accurate detection of the largest proportion of infections identified by rRT-PCR. ELISA and CLIA tests performed better in terms of sensitivity compared to LFIA. IgG based tests performed better compared to IgM except for the ELISA. CONCLUSIONS We report that IgG-IgM based ELISA tests have the best overall diagnostic test accuracy. Moreover, irrespective of the method, a combined IgG/IgM test seems to be a better choice in terms of sensitivity than measuring either antibody type independently. Given the poor performances of the current LFIA devices, there is a need for more research on the development of highly sensitivity and specific POC LFIA that are adequate for most individual patient applications and attractive for large sero-prevalence studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020179112.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Vengesai
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Optics and Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
| | - Herald Midzi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Maritha Kasambala
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Hamlet Mutandadzi
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Box A178 Mazowe Street Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tariro L. Mduluza-Jokonya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Optics and Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
| | - Simbarashe Rusakaniko
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Box A178 Mazowe Street Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Francisca Mutapi
- Institute for Immunology and Infection Research and Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Ashworth Laboratories, University of Edinburgh, King’s Buildings, Charlotte Auerbach Rd, Edinburgh, EH9 3JT UK
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
| | - Takafira Mduluza
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zimbabwe, P.O. Box MP 167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Optics and Imaging, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
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15
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Cohen JF, Deeks JJ, Hooft L, Salameh JP, Korevaar DA, Gatsonis C, Hopewell S, Hunt HA, Hyde CJ, Leeflang MM, Macaskill P, McGrath TA, Moher D, Reitsma JB, Rutjes AWS, Takwoingi Y, Tonelli M, Whiting P, Willis BH, Thombs B, Bossuyt PM, McInnes MDF. Preferred reporting items for journal and conference abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of diagnostic test accuracy studies (PRISMA-DTA for Abstracts): checklist, explanation, and elaboration. BMJ 2021; 372:n265. [PMID: 33722791 PMCID: PMC7957862 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.n265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
For many users of the biomedical literature, abstracts may be the only source of information about a study. Hence, abstracts should allow readers to evaluate the objectives, key design features, and main results of the study. Several evaluations have shown deficiencies in the reporting of journal and conference abstracts across study designs and research fields, including systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy studies. Incomplete reporting compromises the value of research to key stakeholders. The authors of this article have developed a 12 item checklist of preferred reporting items for journal and conference abstracts of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of diagnostic test accuracy studies (PRISMA-DTA for Abstracts). This article presents the checklist, examples of complete reporting, and explanations for each item of PRISMA-DTA for Abstracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie F Cohen
- Department of Pediatrics and Inserm UMR 1153 (Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Statistics), Necker - Enfants Malades Hospital, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan J Deeks
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lotty Hooft
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jean-Paul Salameh
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Daniël A Korevaar
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Academic Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Sally Hopewell
- Centre for Statistics in Medicine, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Harriet A Hunt
- Exeter Test Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Chris J Hyde
- Exeter Test Group, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Mariska M Leeflang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health, Academic Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Trevor A McGrath
- Department of Radiology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David Moher
- Centre for Journalology, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Johannes B Reitsma
- Cochrane Netherlands, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anne W S Rutjes
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yemisi Takwoingi
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Marcello Tonelli
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Penny Whiting
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Brian H Willis
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Brett Thombs
- Lady Davis Institute of the Jewish General Hospital and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrick M Bossuyt
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam Public Health, Academic Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthew D F McInnes
- University of Ottawa, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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16
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Gibbons J, Qin J, Malla P, Wang Z, Brashear A, Wang C, Miao J, Adams JH, Kim K, Jiang R, Cui L. Lineage-Specific Expansion of Plasmodium falciparum Parasites With pfhrp2 Deletion in the Greater Mekong Subregion. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:1561-1569. [PMID: 32386321 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deletion of the pfhrp2 gene in Plasmodium falciparum can lead to false-negative rapid diagnostic test (RDT) results, constituting a major challenge for evidence-based malaria treatment. Here we analyzed the whole genome sequences of 138 P. falciparum clinical samples collected from the China-Myanmar boarder for pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions. We found pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions in 9.4% and 3.6% of samples, respectively, with no samples harboring deletions of both genes. The pfhrp2 deletions showed 2 distinct breakpoints, representing 2 different chromosomal deletion events. A phylogenetic analysis performed using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed that the 2 pfhrp2 breakpoint groups as well as all the pfhrp3-negative parasites formed separate clades, suggesting they might have resulted from clonal expansion of pfhrp2- and pfhrp3-negative parasites. These findings highlight the need for urgent surveys to determine the prevalence of pfhrp2-negative parasites causing false-negative RDT results and a plan for switching of RDTs pending the survey results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Gibbons
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Junling Qin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Pallavi Malla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Zenglei Wang
- The National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Beijing Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Awtum Brashear
- Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Chengqi Wang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jun Miao
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - John H Adams
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kami Kim
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Rays Jiang
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Liwang Cui
- Center for Global Health and Infectious Diseases Research, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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17
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Huth PFB, Addo M, Daniel T, Groendahl B, Hokororo A, Koliopoulos P, Mshana S, Pretsch L, Schmidt C, Zuechner A, Gehring S, Kayange N. Extensive Antibiotic and Antimalarial Prescription Rate among Children with Acute Febrile Diseases in the Lake Victoria Region, Tanzania. J Trop Pediatr 2021; 67:6133215. [PMID: 33575804 DOI: 10.1093/tropej/fmaa135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Acute mosquito-borne febrile diseases pose a threat to children in the Sub-Saharan-Africa with ∼272 000 children dying worldwide from malaria in 2018. Although the awareness for malaria in this area has increased due to improved health education, the apparent decline of actual malaria cases has not affected clinical practice significantly. This study collected clinical and epidemiologic data of children presenting with acute febrile diseases in order delineate their diagnostic and therapeutic management. METHODS A hospital-based cross-sectional clinical study was conducted at the Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania. Children between 1 month and 12 years of age with an axillary temperature ≥ 37.5°C were recruited from August 2016 to December 2016. Children received full clinical examination. In addition, file data about diagnostics and treatment were collected and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) were performed. Confirmatory malaria polymerase chain reaction was performed from dry blood spots. RESULTS From 1381 children presented in the pediatric outpatient department, 133 met the inclusion criteria. Out of 133 febrile children, 10.5% were malaria positive. Treatment data indicate the prescription of antimalarials in 35.3% and antibiotics in 63.9% of the children with an overlap of 24.1% receiving both. Despite a negative mRDT, 36 patients received antimalarials. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study confirm a significant decline of malaria cases in the Lake Victoria region. The discrepancy between the valuable results provided by mRDTs and the high prescription rates of antibiotics and antimalarials call for an enforced diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. LAY SUMMARY The aim of the study was to take a closer look at reported cases of febrile diseases in the Lake Victoria region and assess the relationship between clinical as well as diagnostic findings and the resulting therapeutic concept. Based on these findings the prescription rate of antimalarial and antibiotic drugs was analyzed. The results showed an overall high prescription rate of antimalarials and antibiotics in both diagnosed malaria cases and cases with diagnosed bacterial infections.Not only with regards to the possible side effects of these medications but also keeping in mind the apparent misuse of resources this practice poses a serious burden to the health care system in this low resource country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Florian Brixius Huth
- Department of Infectiology and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marylyn Addo
- Department of Infectiology and Tropical Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tim Daniel
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Britta Groendahl
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Adolfine Hokororo
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Bugando Medical Centre/Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.o. Box 1370 Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Philip Koliopoulos
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephen Mshana
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Bugando School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Leah Pretsch
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 46535 Dinslaken, Germany
| | - Antke Zuechner
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Bugando Medical Centre/Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.o. Box 1370 Mwanza, Tanzania
| | - Stephan Gehring
- Center of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Johannes Gutenberg-University Medical Center, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Neema Kayange
- Department of Pediatric and Child Health, Bugando Medical Centre/Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.o. Box 1370 Mwanza, Tanzania
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18
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Zhu W, Ling X, Shang W, Du Y, Liu J, Cao Y, Yang M, Zhu G, Cao J, Huang J. High value of rapid diagnostic tests to diagnose malaria within children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Glob Health 2020; 10:010411. [PMID: 32373330 PMCID: PMC7182354 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.10.010411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Children aged under five years accounted for 61% of all malaria deaths worldwide in 2017, and quicker differential diagnosis of malaria fever is vital for them. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are strips to detect Plasmodium specific antigens promptly and are helpful in resource-limited areas. Thus, our aim is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of RDTs for malaria in children against the gold standard. Methods MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Sinomed databases were systematically searched on August 23, 2019. Studies that compared RDTs with microscopy or polymerase chain reaction in malaria diagnoses for children were eligible. Relevant data were extracted. The quality of studies was evaluated using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies instrument. Meta-analyses were carried out to calculate the pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals of sensitivity and specificity. Results 51 articles were included. For diagnostic accuracy, the pooled estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of RDTs were 0.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.90, 0.95) and 0.93 (95% CI = 0.90, 0.96) respectively. Studies were highly heterogeneous, and subgroup analyses showed that the application of RDTs in high malaria transmission areas had higher sensitivity but lower specificity than those in low-to-moderate areas. Conclusions RDTs have high accuracy for malaria diagnosis in children, and this characteristic is more prominent in high transmission areas. As they also have the advantages of rapid-detection, are easy-to-use, and can be cost-effective, it is recommended that the wider usage of RDTs should be promoted, especially in resource-limited areas. Further research is required to assess their performance in WHO South-East Asia and Americas Region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Zhu
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - XiaoXiao Ling
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Wenru Shang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqiu Du
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyu Liu
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengmeng Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoding Zhu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Public Health Research Center, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,Public Health Research Center, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayan Huang
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Allahmoradi M, Motevalli Haghi A, Nateghpour M, Mohebali M, Raeisi A, Hosseini Safa A, Mohtasebi S, Abbaszadeh Afshar MJ. High-Resolution Melting Analysis in Comparison with Microscopic Method: An Experimental Study to Diagnosis of Plasmodium Species Infections in Human. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2020; 15:403-410. [PMID: 33082805 PMCID: PMC7548472 DOI: 10.18502/ijpa.v15i3.4205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background: Among the human parasitic diseases, malaria is the main cause of morbidity and mortality. To prevent the high mortality and tracking malaria elimination efforts, a prompt and sensitive diagnosis is essential. This study aimed to compare High-Resolution Melting (HRM) and microscopic methods to diagnose Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. Methods: Eighty-one blood samples were collected from patients with clinical symptoms who were suspect to malaria in Chabahar district, southeastern Iran and also, from those who were referred to Malaria National Laboratory in the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Microscopic examination and HRM method were used to the diagnosis of Plasmodium parasites simultaneously. Results: Microscopic results revealed 45 positive cases (12 P. falciparum and 33 P. vivax) out of 81 collected samples while according to HRM analysis results 11 and 33 samples were identified as P. falciparum and P. vivax, respectively. HRM analysis also revealed 1 mixed infection of P. falciparum and P. malariae. Conclusion: HRM analysis provides a promising mean for simultaneous detection and discrimination of the Plasmodium spp. especially in mixed infection cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Allahmoradi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Motevalli Haghi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Nateghpour
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Mohebali
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Center for Research of Endemic Parasites of Iran (CREPI), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Raeisi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hosseini Safa
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Mohtasebi
- Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Tsehay S, Hassen F, Hirigo AT, Abiy Z, Desta K. Blood transfusion-transmissible malaria and its cost analysis in Hawassa regional blood bank, Southern Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med 2020; 8:2050312120936930. [PMID: 32647577 PMCID: PMC7328218 DOI: 10.1177/2050312120936930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Blood transfusion is an intervention used to save life particularly for those
patients who survive only with receiving blood. Establishing effective
diagnostic test menus concerning the screening of transfusion-transmissible
infections in the blood banks play a vital role to safeguard recipients from
transfusion-transmissible infections. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess blood transfusion-transmissible malaria
and its screening cost analysis in Hawassa regional blood bank, Hawassa,
Sothern Ethiopia. Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May
2018 among 414 voluntary blood donors. Each participant’s blood sample was
screened for most transfusion-transmissible infections using
antigen/antibody tests, while rapid diagnostic test and microscopy were used
for malaria screening and confirmation. In addition, the cost screening of
transfusion-transmissible infections was calculated using activity-based
costing method. Results: The overall seropositivity of transfusion-transmissible infections was 7.0%
and the positivity rate of hepatitis B virus, syphilis, and
Plasmodium falciparum was 5.6%, 1.0%, and 0.5%,
respectively. The cost per test of each transfusion-transmissible infection
was US$5.04 for human immunodeficiency virus, US$4.61 for hepatitis B virus,
US$5.11 for hepatitis C virus, and US$4.75 for syphilis, while the cost per
test of malaria rapid diagnostic test was US$4.74 and this is comparatively
lower than the cost per test of other transfusion-transmissible infections
except for hepatitis B virus. In addition, total cost of laboratory incurred
for transfusion-transmissible infections screening is estimated to be
US$213,634.5 per year, while it becomes US$265,537.5 if the malaria
screening cost is added. This means 19.54% of the total cost of laboratory
incurred per year or US$51,903. Conclusion: The positivity rate of malaria parasites among voluntary blood donors was
0.5%, and it might be increased if the study was conducted in high
transmission seasons. A cost of malaria screening is comparatively lower
than costs of other transfusion-transmissible infections except for
hepatitis B virus. Therefore, the screening of malaria parasites should be
considered as one of the test menus of transfusion-transmissible infections
in blood banks, especially in malaria-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seblewongel Tsehay
- Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, College of Medicine and Health Science, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Fatuma Hassen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Agete Tadewos Hirigo
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Faculty of Medicine, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Zinegnaw Abiy
- College of Business and Economics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Kassu Desta
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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21
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Evaluating the implementation of rapid diagnostic tests in a malaria elimination setting. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:84. [PMID: 32641123 PMCID: PMC7346650 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00702-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It was recommended that malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) should be available in all epidemiological situations. But evidence was limited on the implementation of RDTs and its effectiveness in malaria elimination settings. This study examined the implementation of RDTs and how it affected the diagnosis of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province, China. Methods To scale up RDTs, this study developed an intervention package with four major elements covering the supply of RDT test, the training on RDTs, the monitoring and management of RDT use, and the advocacy of RDTs. By using a pretest-posttest control group design, we implemented the interventions in 4 cities in Jiangsu Province with the rest nine cities as controlled areas, from January 2017 to January 2018. Difference-in-Difference approach was used to evaluate the impact of the scale-up of RDTs on the identification of malaria cases. Three binary outcome measures were included to indicate delayed malaria diagnosis, malaria cases with confirmed malaria diagnosis at township-level institutions, and severe malaria cases, respectively. Linear probability regression was performed with time and group fixed effects and the interaction term between time and group. Results Intervention areas received sufficient RDT test supply, regular professional training programs, monthly tracking and management of RDT supply and use, and health education to targeted population. The implementation of interventions was associated with 10.8% (P = 0.021) fewer patients with delayed diagnosis. But intervention areas did not see a higher likelihood of having confirmed diagnosis from township-level institutions (coefficient = -0.038, P = 0.185) or reduced severe malaria cases (coef. = 0.040, P = 0.592). Conclusions The comprehensive package of RDT implementation in this study is promising in scaling up RDT use and improving access to care among malaria patients, especially in malaria elimination settings.
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22
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Epidemiological links between malaria parasitaemia and hypertension: findings from a population-based survey in rural Côte d'Ivoire. J Hypertens 2020; 37:1384-1392. [PMID: 30801386 PMCID: PMC6587219 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Although potential links between malaria parasitaemia and hypertension have been hypothesized, there is paucity of epidemiologic evidence on this link. We investigated in a population-based survey, the association between malaria parasitaemia and hypertension in Ivorian adults. Methods: We estimated the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of hypertension in relation to malaria parasitaemia using multinomial regression, in 997 randomly selected adults in the ‘Côte d’Ivoire Dual Burden of Disease Study’ (CoDuBu), in south-central Côte d’Ivoire. We defined malaria parasitaemia as a positive rapid diagnostic test or identification of Plasmodium spp. on microscopy. Using the mean of the last two of three blood pressure (BP) measurements and questionnaire data, we defined hypertension as SBP at least 140 mmHg or DBP at least 90 mmHg or clinician-diagnosed hypertension. Results: Prevalence of malaria parasitaemia and hypertension were 10 and 22%, respectively. Malaria parasitaemia was negatively associated with hypertension in participants with body temperature 36.5 °C or less [OR 0.23 (95% CI 0.06–0.84)]. Contrastingly, microscopic malaria parasitaemia showed positive associations with hypertension in participants with elevated body temperature [>36.5 °C; OR: 2.93 (95% CI 0.94–9.14)]. Participants having microscopic malaria parasitaemia with elevated body temperature had three-fold higher odds of hypertension [OR: 3.37 (95% CI 1.12–10.0)] than malaria parasitaemia-negatives with lower body temperature. Conclusion: Malaria parasitaemia and hypertension are prevalent and seemingly linked comorbidities in African settings. This link may depend on malaria parasitaemia symptomaticity/latency where individuals with more latent/asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia have lower risk of hypertension and those with more acute/symptomatic malaria parasitaemia have a tendency toward higher BP. The cross-sectional nature of the study limited the distinction of short-term BP elevation (interim pathophysiological stress) from hypertension development. Future longitudinal studies considering malaria/hypertension phenotypes and host molecular variations are needed to clarify involved biological mechanisms, toward comorbidity management.
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Mbanefo A, Kumar N. Evaluation of Malaria Diagnostic Methods as a Key for Successful Control and Elimination Programs. Trop Med Infect Dis 2020; 5:E102. [PMID: 32575405 PMCID: PMC7344938 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed5020102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization's (WHO's) world malaria report for 2018, there were 228 million cases and 405,000 deaths worldwide. This paper reviews and highlights the importance of accurate, sensitive and affordable diagnostic methods in the fight against malaria. The PubMed online database was used to search for publications that examined the different diagnostic tests for malaria. Currently used diagnostic methods include microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Upcoming methods were identified as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), isothermal thermophilic helicase-dependent amplification (tHDA), saliva-based test for nucleic-acid amplification, saliva-based test for Plasmodium protein detection, urine malaria test (UMT), and transdermal hemozoin detection. RDT, despite its increasing false negative, is still the most feasible diagnostic test because it is easy to use, fast, and does not need expensive equipment. Noninvasive tests that do not require a blood sample, but use saliva or urine, are some of the recent tests under development that have the potential to aid malaria control and elimination. Emerging resistance to anti-malaria drugs and to insecticides used against vectors continues to thwart progress in controlling malaria. Therefore, future innovation will be required to enable the application of more sensitive and affordable methods in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afoma Mbanefo
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Nirbhay Kumar
- Department of Global Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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24
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Millar J, Toh KB, Valle D. To screen or not to screen: an interactive framework for comparing costs of mass malaria treatment interventions. BMC Med 2020; 18:149. [PMID: 32552743 PMCID: PMC7304173 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01609-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mass drug administration and mass-screen-and-treat interventions have been used to interrupt malaria transmission and reduce burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Determining which strategy will reduce costs is an important challenge for implementers; however, model-based simulations and field studies have yet to develop consensus guidelines. Moreover, there is often no way for decision-makers to directly interact with these data and/or models, incorporate local knowledge and expertise, and re-fit parameters to guide their specific goals. METHODS We propose a general framework for comparing costs associated with mass drug administrations and mass screen and treat based on the possible outcomes of each intervention and the costs associated with each outcome. We then used publicly available data from six countries in western Africa to develop spatial-explicit probabilistic models to estimate intervention costs based on baseline malaria prevalence, diagnostic performance, and sociodemographic factors (age and urbanicity). In addition to comparing specific scenarios, we also develop interactive web applications which allow managers to select data sources and model parameters, and directly input their own cost values. RESULTS The regional-level models revealed substantial spatial heterogeneity in malaria prevalence and diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity, indicating that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is unlikely to maximize resource allocation. For instance, urban communities in Burkina Faso typically had lower prevalence rates compared to rural communities (0.151 versus 0.383, respectively) as well as lower diagnostic sensitivity (0.699 versus 0.862, respectively); however, there was still substantial regional variation. Adjusting the cost associated with false negative diagnostic results to included additional costs, such as delayed treated and potential lost wages, undermined the overall costs associated with MSAT. CONCLUSIONS The observed spatial variability and dependence on specified cost values support not only the need for location-specific intervention approaches but also the need to move beyond standard modeling approaches and towards interactive tools which allow implementers to engage directly with data and models. We believe that the framework demonstrated in this article will help connect modeling efforts and stakeholders in order to promote data-driven decision-making for the effective management of malaria, as well as other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Millar
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
| | - Kok Ben Toh
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
| | - Denis Valle
- School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA
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25
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Bath D, Goodman C, Yeung S. Modelling the cost-effectiveness of introducing subsidised malaria rapid diagnostic tests in the private retail sector in sub-Saharan Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2020; 5:bmjgh-2019-002138. [PMID: 32439690 PMCID: PMC7247415 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-002138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the last 10 years, there has been a huge shift in malaria diagnosis in public health facilities, due to widespread deployment of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), which are accurate, quick and easy to use and inexpensive. There are calls for RDTs to be made available at-scale in the private retail sector where many people with suspected malaria seek care. Retail sector RDT use in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is limited to small-scale studies, and robust evidence on value-for-money is not yet available. We modelled the cost-effectiveness of introducing subsidised RDTs and supporting interventions in the SSA retail sector, in a context of a subsidy programme for first-line antimalarials. Methods We developed a decision tree following febrile patients through presentation, diagnosis, treatment, disease progression and further care, to final health outcomes. We modelled results for three ‘treatment scenarios’, based on parameters from three small-scale studies in Nigeria (TS-N), Tanzania (TS-T) and Uganda (TS-U), under low and medium/high transmission (5% and 50% Plasmodium falciparum (parasite) positivity rates (PfPR), respectively). Results Cost-effectiveness varied considerably between treatment scenarios. Cost per disability-adjusted life year averted at 5% PfPR was US$482 (TS-N) and US$115 (TS-T) and at 50% PfPR US$44 (TS-N) and US$45 (TS-T), from a health service perspective. TS-U was dominated in both transmission settings. Conclusion The cost-effectiveness of subsidised RDTs is strongly influenced by treatment practices, for which further evidence is required from larger-scale operational settings. However, subsidised RDTs could promote increased use of first-line antimalarials in patients with malaria. RDTs may, therefore, be more cost-effective in higher transmission settings, where a greater proportion of patients have malaria and benefit from increased antimalarial use. This is contrary to previous public sector models, where RDTs were most cost-effective in lower transmission settings as they reduced unnecessary antimalarial use in patients without malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bath
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Catherine Goodman
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Shunmay Yeung
- Department of Clinical Research, Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Pokharel S, White LJ, Aguas R, Celhay O, Pellé KG, Dittrich S. Algorithm in the Diagnosis of Febrile Illness Using Pathogen-specific Rapid Diagnostic Tests. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:2262-2269. [PMID: 31313805 PMCID: PMC7245147 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the absence of proper guidelines and algorithms, available rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for common acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses are often used inappropriately. METHODS Using prevalence data of 5 common febrile illnesses from India and Cambodia, and performance characteristics (sensitivity and specificity) of relevant pathogen-specific RDTs, we used a mathematical model to predict the probability of correct identification of each disease when diagnostic testing occurs either simultaneously or sequentially in various algorithms. We developed a web-based application of the model so as to visualize and compare output diagnostic algorithms when different disease prevalence and test performance characteristics are introduced. RESULTS Diagnostic algorithms with appropriate sequential testing predicted correct identification of etiology in 74% and 89% of patients in India and Cambodia, respectively, compared with 46% and 49% with simultaneous testing. The optimally performing sequential diagnostic algorithms differed in India and Cambodia due to varying disease prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous testing is not appropriate for the diagnosis of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses with presently available tests, which should deter the unsupervised use of multiplex diagnostic tests. The implementation of adaptive algorithms can predict better diagnosis and add value to the available RDTs. The web application of the model can serve as a tool to identify the optimal diagnostic algorithm in different epidemiological settings, while taking into account the local epidemiological variables and accuracy of available tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Pokharel
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lisa J White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ricardo Aguas
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Olivier Celhay
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Karell G Pellé
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Dittrich
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics, Geneva, Switzerland
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Brydegaard M, Jansson S, Malmqvist E, Mlacha YP, Gebru A, Okumu F, Killeen GF, Kirkeby C. Lidar reveals activity anomaly of malaria vectors during pan-African eclipse. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay5487. [PMID: 32426490 PMCID: PMC7220366 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay5487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Yearly, a quarter billion people are infected and a half a million killed by the mosquito-borne disease malaria. Lack of real-time observational tools for continuously assessing the unperturbed mosquito flight activity in situ limits progress toward improved vector control. We deployed a high-resolution entomological lidar to monitor a half-kilometer static transect adjacent to a Tanzanian village. We evaluated one-third million insect observations during five nights, four days, and one annular solar eclipse. We demonstrate in situ lidar classification of several insect families and their sexes based on their modulation signatures. We were able to compare the fine-scale spatiotemporal activity patterns of malaria vectors during ordinary days and an eclipse to disentangle phototactic activity patterns from the circadian mechanism. We observed an increased insect activity during the eclipse attributable to mosquitoes. These unprecedented findings demonstrate how lidar-based monitoring of distinct mosquito activities could advance our understanding of vector ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Brydegaard
- Norsk Elektro Optikk AS, Prost Stabels vei 22, N-2019 Skedsmokorset, Norway
- Lund Laser Centre, Department of Physics, Lund University, Sölvegatan 14, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
- Center for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
- FaunaPhotonics APS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Corresponding author. (M.B.); (C.K.)
| | - Samuel Jansson
- Lund Laser Centre, Department of Physics, Lund University, Sölvegatan 14, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
- Center for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Elin Malmqvist
- Lund Laser Centre, Department of Physics, Lund University, Sölvegatan 14, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
- Center for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Yeromin P. Mlacha
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Off Mlabani Street, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstrasse 57, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alem Gebru
- Lund Laser Centre, Department of Physics, Lund University, Sölvegatan 14, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
- Center for Animal Movement Research, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 35, SE-22362 Lund, Sweden
- FaunaPhotonics APS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Fredros Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Off Mlabani Street, Ifakara, Tanzania
- School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, 9 York Rd, 2193 Johannesburg, South Africa
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Graham Kerr Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Gerry F. Killeen
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P.O. Box 53, Off Mlabani Street, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L35QA, UK
- School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences and Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Carsten Kirkeby
- FaunaPhotonics APS, Ole Maaløes Vej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Grønnegårdsvej 8, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Corresponding author. (M.B.); (C.K.)
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28
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Taylor SM, Sumner KM, Freedman B, Mangeni JN, Obala AA, Prudhomme O'Meara W. Direct Estimation of Sensitivity of Plasmodium falciparum Rapid Diagnostic Test for Active Case Detection in a High-Transmission Community Setting. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 101:1416-1423. [PMID: 31674301 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.19-0558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Community-based active case detection of malaria parasites with conventional rapid diagnostic tests (cRDTs) is a strategy used most commonly in low-transmission settings. We estimated the sensitivity of this approach in a high-transmission setting in Western Kenya. We tested 3,547 members of 912 households identified in 2013-2014 by index children with (case) and without (control) cRDT-positive malaria. All were tested for Plasmodium falciparum with both a cRDT targeting histidine-rich protein 2 and with an ultrasensitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We computed cRDT sensitivity against PCR as the referent, compared prevalence between participant types, and estimated cRDT detectability as a function of PCR-estimated parasite density. Parasite prevalence was 22.9% by cRDTs and 61.5% by PCR. Compared with children aged < 5 years or adults aged > 15 years, geometric mean parasite densities (95% CI) were highest in school-age children aged 5-15 years (8.4 p/uL; 6.6-10.6). The overall sensitivity of cRDT was 36%; among asymptomatic household members, cRDT sensitivity was 25.5% and lowest in adults aged > 15 years (15.8%). When modeled as a function of parasite density, relative to school-age children, the probability of cRDT positivity was reduced in both children aged < 5 years (odds ratio [OR] 0.48; 95% CI: 0.34-0.69) and in adults aged > 15 years (OR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.27-0.47). An HRP2-detecting cRDT had poor sensitivity for active P. falciparum case detection in asymptomatic community members, and sensitivity was lowest in highly prevalent low-density infections and in adults. Future studies can model the incremental effects of high-sensitivity rapid diagnostic tests and the impacts on transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve M Taylor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kelsey M Sumner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Betsy Freedman
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Andrew A Obala
- College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Wendy Prudhomme O'Meara
- College of Health Sciences, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya.,Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, North Carolina.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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29
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Ling XX, Jin JJ, Zhu GD, Wang WM, Cao YY, Yang MM, Zhou HY, Cao J, Huang JY. Cost-effectiveness analysis of malaria rapid diagnostic tests: a systematic review. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:104. [PMID: 31888731 PMCID: PMC6937952 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0615-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) can effectively manage malaria cases and reduce excess costs brought by misdiagnosis. However, few studies have evaluated the economic value of this technology. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the economic value of RDT in malaria diagnosis. MAIN TEXT A detailed search strategy was developed to identify published economic evaluations that provide evidence regarding the cost-effectiveness of malaria RDT. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis Previews, Web of Science and Cochrane Library were searched from Jan 2007 to July 2018. Two researchers screened studies independently based on pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist was applied to evaluate the quality of the studies. Then cost and effectiveness data were extracted and summarized in a narrative way. Fifteen economic evaluations of RDT compared to other diagnostic methods were identified. The overall quality of studies varied greatly but most of them were scored to be of high or moderate quality. Ten of the fifteen studies reported that RDT was likely to be a cost-effective approach compared to its comparisons, but the results could be influenced by the alternatives, study perspectives, malaria prevalence, and the types of RDT. CONCLUSIONS Based on available evidence, RDT had the potential to be more cost-effective than either microscopy or presumptive diagnosis. Further research is also required to draw a more robust conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiao Ling
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jia-Jie Jin
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Guo-Ding Zhu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, China
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Public Health Research Centre, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Wei-Ming Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, China
| | - Meng-Meng Yang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, China
| | - Hua-Yun Zhou
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, China
| | - Jun Cao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, 214064, China.
- Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Public Health Research Centre, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
| | - Jia-Yan Huang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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30
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Berendsen ML, van Gijzel SW, Smits J, de Mast Q, Aaby P, Benn CS, Netea MG, van der Ven AJ. BCG vaccination is associated with reduced malaria prevalence in children under the age of 5 years in sub-Saharan Africa. BMJ Glob Health 2019; 4:e001862. [PMID: 31798997 PMCID: PMC6861070 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2019-001862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malaria continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) without effective interventions. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine possesses protective non-specific effects, which extend beyond protection against tuberculosis. This study explores whether BCG is associated with protection against malaria in children under the age of 5 years in SSA. Methods We used data from the Demographic Health Survey programme, including 34 206 children from 13 SSA countries. BCG status was taken from vaccination cards when present; if not, mother’s recall was used. Presence of malaria was defined as a positive rapid diagnostic test. Maternally reported presence or absence of fever in the previous 2 weeks defined symptomatic status. Multilevel logistic regression was used to account for the two-stage cluster sampling method. Results Of the 34 206 children, 12 325 (36.0%) children were malaria positive and 29 766 (87.0%) were BCG vaccinated. After correction for relevant child, maternal and household factors, BCG vaccination was associated with a lower malaria prevalence (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.94, 95% CI 0.90 to 0.98), especially among children of whom BCG information was retrieved from a vaccination card (aORcard=0.88, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.94). Restricting the analysis to children from regions with suboptimal BCG coverage increased the association (aORcard=0.81, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.89). We observed an increasingly beneficial association with each month of age of the child (aORcard=0.996, 95% CI 0.993 to 0.999). BCG associations were similar for asymptomatic (aORcard=0.86, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.92) and symptomatic (aORcard=0.89, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.01) malaria. Conclusions BCG vaccination is associated with protection against malaria. This protection is highest in regions with suboptimal BCG coverage. These results indicate a possible role for timely BCG vaccination in the protection of malaria and its elimination by reducing the transmission reservoir. If confirmed in further research, our findings have substantial implications for global efforts to reduce malaria burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Lt Berendsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Odense Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Copenhagen, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Sjors Wl van Gijzel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Smits
- Global Data Lab, Institute for Management Research, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Quirijn de Mast
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Aaby
- Bandim Health Project, INDEPTH Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau
| | - Christine S Benn
- Odense Patient data Explorative Network (OPEN), Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark and Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Bandim Health Project, Research Center for Vitamins and Vaccines (CVIVA), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department for Genomics & Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Human Genomics Laboratory, Craiova University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andre Jam van der Ven
- Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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31
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Mweu MM, Wambua J, Njuga F, Bejon P, Mwanga D. Bayesian evaluation of the performance of three diagnostic tests for Plasmodium falciparum infection in a low-transmission setting in Kilifi County, Kenya. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:67. [PMID: 31595228 PMCID: PMC6777009 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15204.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Central to the successful elimination of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, are tests with superior capability of diagnosing low-density parasitaemias. Empirical evidence on the performance of the commonly available diagnostics (light microscopy (LM), rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) is needed to better inform case management and surveillance activities within primary health care settings where elimination of falciparum malaria is targeted. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) and predictive values of LM, RDT and PCR tests for P. falciparum infection in children, while evaluating the effect of specific covariates on the accuracy of the tests. Methods: The study enrolled 1,563 children presenting with fever (axillary temperature ≥ 37.5 0C) to the Ngerenya dispensary, Kilifi County between March and December 2014. A Bayesian latent class model (BLCM) was fitted to the participants' diagnostic data obtained from blood samples that were screened for the presence of P. falciparum using the three tests. Results: The PCR assay registered a higher Se (97.6% [92.0; 99.7]) than LM (84.0% [74.8; 91.0]) but similar to RDT (92.2% [84.4; 97.0]). However, the assay showed a similar Sp (98.9% [98.2; 99.4]) to both RDT (99.4% [98.9; 99.7]) and LM (99.5% [99.0; 99.8]). Regarding predictive values, the tests yielded statistically similar estimates of positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV). A serial interpretation of the results of RDT and LM raised the PPVs and NPVs to >98%. Conclusions: LM and RDT afford high Se and Sp in symptomatic care-seeking children in this low P. falciparum prevalence setting. A serial combination of the tests assures high PPV and NPV estimates. These elements, coupled with the wide deployment and affordability of the tests, lend the tests useful for guiding clinical care and surveillance activities for P. falciparum within elimination settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshal M. Mweu
- School of Public Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Fixtan Njuga
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Mwanga
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
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32
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Mweu MM, Wambua J, Njuga F, Bejon P, Mwanga D. Bayesian evaluation of the performance of three diagnostic tests for Plasmodium falciparum infection in a low-transmission setting in Kilifi County, Kenya. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:67. [PMID: 31595228 PMCID: PMC6777009 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15204.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Central to the successful elimination of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, are tests with superior capability of diagnosing low-density parasitaemias. Empirical evidence on the performance of the commonly available diagnostics (light microscopy (LM), rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) is needed to better inform case management and surveillance activities within primary health care settings where elimination of falciparum malaria is targeted. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) and predictive values of LM, RDT and PCR tests for P. falciparum infection in children, while evaluating the effect of specific covariates on the accuracy of the tests. Methods: The study enrolled 1,563 children presenting with fever (axillary temperature ≥ 37.50C) to the Ngerenya dispensary, Kilifi County between March and December 2014. A Bayesian latent class model (BLCM) was fitted to the participants' diagnostic data obtained from blood samples that were screened for the presence of P. falciparum using the three tests. Results: The PCR assay registered a higher Se (97.6% [92.0; 99.7]) than LM (84.0% [74.8; 91.0]) but similar to RDT (92.2% [84.4; 97.0]). However, the assay showed a similar Sp (98.9% [98.2; 99.4]) to both RDT (99.4% [98.9; 99.7]) and LM (99.5% [99.0; 99.8]). Regarding predictive values, the tests yielded statistically similar estimates of positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV). A serial interpretation of the results of RDT and LM raised the PPVs and NPVs to >98%. Conclusions: LM and RDT afford high Se and Sp in a low P. falciparum prevalence setting. A serial combination of the tests assures high PPV and NPV estimates. These elements, coupled with the wide deployment and affordability of the tests, lend the tests useful for guiding clinical care and surveillance activities for P. falciparum within elimination settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshal M. Mweu
- School of Public Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Fixtan Njuga
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Mwanga
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
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Ajibaye O, Balogun EO, Olukosi YA, Orok BA, Oyebola KM, Iwalokun BA, Aina OO, Shittu O, Adeneye AK, Ojewunmi OO, Kita K, Awolola ST. Impact of training of mothers, drug shop attendants and voluntary health workers on effective diagnosis and treatment of malaria in Lagos, Nigeria. Trop Parasitol 2019; 9:36-44. [PMID: 31161091 PMCID: PMC6542308 DOI: 10.4103/tp.tp_36_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The National Malaria Eradication Program and international agencies are keen on scaling up the use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) for effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease. However, poor diagnostic skills and inappropriate treatment are limiting the efforts. In Nigeria, a large proportion of infected patients self-diagnose and treat while many others seek care from informal drug attendants and voluntary health workers. Aims: This study describes the impact of training voluntary health workers, drug shop attendants, and mothers on effective case detection and treatment of malaria in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: We trained mothers accessing antenatal care, drug shop attendants, and voluntary health workers selected from the three districts of Lagos, on the use of histidine-rich protein-2-based mRDTs and ACTs. Pre- and post-training assessments, focus group discussions (FGDs), and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were carried out. Results: The knowledge, attitude, and skill of the participants to achieve the goal of “test, treat, and track” using mRDT and ACTs were low (11%–55%). There was a low awareness of other non-malaria fevers among mothers. Self-medication was widely practiced (31.3%). FGDs and IDIs revealed that health-care providers administered antimalarials without diagnosis. Training significantly improved participants' knowledge and expertise on the use of mRDTs and ACTs (P = 0.02). The participants' field performance on mRDT use was significantly correlated with their category (bivariate r = 0.51, P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between the participants' level of education or previous field experience and their field performance on mRDT (r = 0.12, P = 0.9; χ
2= 38, df = 2 and P = 0.49). Conclusion: These findings suggest that training of stakeholders in malaria control improves diagnosis and treatment of malaria. However, a broader scope of training in other settings may be required for an effective malaria control in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olusola Ajibaye
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel O Balogun
- Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.,Department of Biomedical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yetunde A Olukosi
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bassey A Orok
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kolapo M Oyebola
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Bamidele A Iwalokun
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olugbenga O Aina
- Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olalere Shittu
- Department of Zoology, Parasitology Unit, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Adeniyi K Adeneye
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - K Kita
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Samson T Awolola
- Department of Public Health and Molecular Entomology, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
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34
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Tedla M. A focus on improving molecular diagnostic approaches to malaria control and elimination in low transmission settings: Review. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2019; 6:e00107. [PMID: 31193331 PMCID: PMC6525315 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2019.e00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The malaria elimination goal is back to the global agenda. Understanding its epidemiology in low transmission settings is crucial to design reliable strategies to detect a large reservoir of individuals infected with sub-microscopic (and often asymptomatic) infections characterized by low-parasite densities and gametocyte carriage. Traditional diagnostic methods such a light microscopy is widely used mainly in developing countries and as a result, the true picture of malaria epidemiology is misrepresented. In the last few decades, the advancement of molecular diagnostic tools significantly improved our understanding of the epidemiology of the diseases. However, the detection capacity of different molecular assays is determined by different factors such as the sensitivity of the assay and the transmission and infection dynamics of the disease particularly when there is low parasitic density in reservoir hosts. Hence, in this review, the epidemiology of malaria in low transmission settings and the priority in addressing the malaria control and elimination goals are highlighted.
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35
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Mweu MM, Wambua J, Njuga F, Bejon P, Mwanga D. Bayesian evaluation of the performance of three diagnostic tests for Plasmodium falciparum infection in a low-transmission setting in Kilifi County, Kenya. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 4:67. [PMID: 31595228 PMCID: PMC6777009 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.15204.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Central to the successful elimination of Plasmodium falciparum malaria, are tests with superior capability of diagnosing low-density parasitaemias. Empirical evidence on the performance of the commonly available diagnostics (light microscopy (LM), rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) is needed to better inform case management and surveillance activities within primary health care settings where elimination of falciparum malaria is targeted. The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) and predictive values of LM, RDT and PCR tests for P. falciparum infection, while evaluating the effect of specific covariates on the accuracy of the tests. Methods: The study enrolled 1,563 children via a cross-sectional survey for asymptomatic malaria and those presenting with symptomatic malaria to the Ngerenya dispensary, Kilifi County between March and December 2014. A Bayesian latent class model (BLCM) was fitted to the participants' diagnostic data obtained from blood samples that were screened for the presence of P. falciparum using the three tests. Results: The PCR assay registered a higher Se (97.6% [92.0; 99.7]) than LM (84.0% [74.8; 91.0]) but similar to RDT (92.2% [84.4; 97.0]). However, the assay showed a similar Sp (98.9% [98.2; 99.4]) to both RDT (99.4% [98.9; 99.7]) and LM (99.5% [99.0; 99.8]). Regarding predictive values, the tests yielded statistically similar estimates of Positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV). A serial interpretation of the results of RDT and LM raised the PPVs and NPVs to >98%. Conclusions: LM and RDT tests afford high Se and Sp in a low P. falciparum prevalence setting. A serial combination of the tests assures high PPV and NPV estimates. These elements, coupled with the wide deployment and affordability of the tests, lend the tests useful for guiding clinical care and surveillance activities for P. falciparum within elimination settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshal M. Mweu
- School of Public Health, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Fixtan Njuga
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
| | - Philip Bejon
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Daniel Mwanga
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
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Algorithms for sequential interpretation of a malaria rapid diagnostic test detecting two different targets of Plasmodium species to improve diagnostic accuracy in a rural setting (Nanoro, Burkina Faso). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211801. [PMID: 30759130 PMCID: PMC6373946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) have limitations due to the persistence of histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) antigen after treatment and low sensitivity of Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) based RDTs. To improve the diagnosis of malaria in febrile children, two diagnostic algorithms, based on sequential interpretation of a malaria rapid diagnostic test detecting two different targets of Plasmodium species and followed by expert microscopy, were evaluated. Methods Two diagnostic algorithms were evaluated using 407 blood samples collected between April and October 2016 from febrile children and the diagnostic accuracy of both algorithms was determined. Algorithm 1: The result of line T1-HRP2 were read first; if negative, malaria infection was considered to be absent. If positive, confirmation was done with the line T2-pLDH. If T2-pLDH test was negative, the malaria diagnosis was considered as “inconclusive” and microscopy was performed; Algorithm 2: The result of line T2-pLDH were read first; if positive, malaria infection was considered to be present. If negative, confirmation was done with the line T1-HRP2. If T1-HRP2 was positive the malaria diagnosis was considered as “inconclusive” and microscopy was performed. In absence of malaria microscopy, a malaria infection was ruled out in children with an inconclusive diagnostic test result when previous antimalarial treatment was reported. Results For single interpretation, the sensitivity of PfHRP2 was 98.4% and the specificity was 74.2%, and for the pLDH test the sensitivity was 89.3% and the specificity was 98.8%. Malaria was accurately diagnosed using both algorithms in 84.5% children. The algorithms with the two-line malaria RDT classified the test results into two groups: conclusive and inconclusive results. The diagnostic accuracy for conclusive results was 98.3% using diagnostic algorithm 1 and 98.6% using algorithm 2. The sensitivity and specificity for the conclusive results were 98.2% and 98.4% for algorithm 1, and 98.6% and 98.4% for algorithm 2, respectively. There were 63 (15.5%) children who had an “inconclusive” result for whom expert microscopy was needed. In children with inconclusive results (PfHRP2+/pLDH- only) previous antimalarial treatment was reported in 16 children with malaria negative microscopy (16/40; 40%) and 1 child with malaria positive microscopy (1/23; 4.3%). Conclusion The strategy of sequential interpretation of two-line malaria RDT can improve the diagnosis of malaria. However, some cases will still require confirmative testing with microscopy or additional investigations on previous antimalarial treatment.
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Ellis J, Eneh PC, Ssebambulidde K, Rutakingirwa MK, Lamorde M, Rhein J, Cresswell FV, Boulware DR, Nicol MR. Case Report: Three's a crowd: a case report examining the diagnostic and pharmacokinetic challenges in HIV-tuberculous meningitis-malaria co-infection. Wellcome Open Res 2019; 3:111. [PMID: 30687789 PMCID: PMC6343228 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14726.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, 10.4 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported globally. Malaria also continues to be a global public health threat. Due to marked epidemiological overlap in the global burden of TB and malaria, co-infection does occur. An HIV-infected, 32-year-old male presented with a two-week history of headache with fevers to Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. Five months prior, he was diagnosed with pulmonary TB. He endorsed poor adherence to anti-tuberculous medications.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis in CSF was confirmed on Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra. On day 2, he was initiated on dexamethasone at 0.4mg/kg/day and induction TB-medications were re-commenced (rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide) for TBM. He continued to spike high-grade fevers, a peripheral blood smear showed
P. falciparum parasites despite a negative malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). He received three doses of IV artesunate and then completed 3 days of oral artemether/lumefantrine. To our knowledge this is the first published case of HIV-TBM-malaria co-infection. TBM/malaria co-infection poses a number of management challenges. Due to potential overlap in symptoms between TBM and malaria, it is important to remain vigilant for co-infection. Access to accurate parasitological diagnostics is essential, as RDT use continues to expand, it is essential that clinicians are aware of the potential for false negative results. Anti-malarial therapeutic options are limited due to important drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Rifampicin is a potent enzyme inducer of several hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, this induction results in reduced plasma concentrations of several anti-malarial medications. Despite recognition of potential DDIs between rifampicin and artemisinin compounds, and rifampicin and quinine, no treatment guidelines currently exist for managing patients with co-infection. There is both an urgent need for the development of new anti-malarial drugs which do not interact with rifampicin and for pharmacokinetic studies to guide dose modification of existing anti-malarial drugs to inform clinical practice guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Ellis
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Prosperity C Eneh
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kenneth Ssebambulidde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Morris K Rutakingirwa
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mohammed Lamorde
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Fiona V Cresswell
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.,Clinical Research Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.,LSHTM-MRC-UVRI Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - David R Boulware
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Melanie R Nicol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Kalinga AK, Ishengoma DS, Kavishe R, Temu L, Mswanya C, Mwanziva C, Mgina EJ, Chiduo S, Mahikwano L, Mgata S, Anova L, Amoo G, Wurapa E, Vesely B, Kamau E, Hickman M, Waters N, Kreishman-Deitrick M, Paris R, Ohrt C. The use of Fionet technology for external quality control of malaria rapid diagnostic tests and monitoring health workers' performance in rural military health facilities in Tanzania. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208583. [PMID: 30589853 PMCID: PMC6307929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Internal and external quality control (QC) of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) is important to increase reliability of RDTs currently used to diagnose malaria. However, cross-checking of used RDTs as part of quality assurance can rarely be done by off-site personnel because there is no guarantee of retaining visible test lines after manufacturers' recommended reading time. Therefore, this study examined the potential of using Fionet™ technology for remote RDT quality monitoring at seven clinics, identifying reasons for making RDT processing and interpretation errors, and taking corrective actions for improvement of diagnosis and consequently improved management of febrile patients. METHODS The study was conducted at seven military health facilities in Mainland Tanzania and utilized RDTs capable of detecting Plasmodium falciparum specific Histidine-rich protein 2 (Pf-HRP2) and the genus specific Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) for other species of plasmodium (P. vivax, P. malariae or P. ovale; pan-pLDH). Patients' data and images of processed RDTs from seven clinics were uploaded on a Fionet web portal and reviewed regularly to monitor preparation procedures and visual interpretation of test results compared to automated analysis using the Deki reader of RDT. Problems detected were rapidly communicated to remote laboratory personnel at the clinic for corrective action and follow-up of patients who were falsely diagnosed as negative and missed treatment. Factors contributing to making errors in visual interpretation of RDT results were analyzed during visits to the health facilities. RESULTS A total of 1,367 (1.6%) out of 83,294 RDT test images uploaded to the Fionet portal had discordant test results of which 822 (60.1%) and 545 (39.9%) were falsely reported as negative and positive, respectively. False negative and false positive test results were common for a single test line in 515 (62.7%) and 741 (54.2%) tests, respectively. Out of 1,367 RDT images assessed, 98 (7.2%) had quality problems related to preparation procedures of which 95(96.9%) errors were due to putting too much blood on the sample well or insufficient buffer in the respective wells. The reasons for discrepant results included, false reporting of none existent lines in 526 (38.5%) tests, missing a faint positive line in 493 (36.1%), missing a strong positive line in 248(18.1%) and errors caused by poorly processed RDTs in 96 (7.2%) tests. Among the false negative tests (n = 822), 669 (48.9%) patients were eligible for follow-up and only 339 (48.5%) were reached and 291 (85.8%) received appropriate anti-malaria therapy. CONCLUSION Fionet technology enabled remote monitoring of RDT quality issues, identifying reasons contributing to laboratory personnel making errors and provided a rapid method to implement corrective actions at remote sites to improve malaria diagnosis and consequently improved health care management of febrile patients infected with malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akili K. Kalinga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tukuyu Centre, Tukuyu, Tanzania
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
- * E-mail:
| | - Deus S. Ishengoma
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tanga Centre, Tanga, Tanzania
| | - Reginald Kavishe
- Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Moshi, Tanzania
| | - Lucky Temu
- Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Erick J. Mgina
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tukuyu Centre, Tukuyu, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Chiduo
- Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lucas Mahikwano
- Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Saidi Mgata
- Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Lalaine Anova
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MD, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - George Amoo
- FORGYN Health Systems Consultants LLc, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Eyako Wurapa
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MD, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Brian Vesely
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MD, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Edwin Kamau
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MD, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Mark Hickman
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MD, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Norman Waters
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MD, Washington DC, United States of America
| | | | - Robert Paris
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MD, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Colin Ohrt
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, MD, Washington DC, United States of America
- Consortium for Health Action, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Quakyi IA, Adjei GO, Sullivan DJ, Laar A, Stephens JK, Owusu R, Winch P, Sakyi KS, Coleman N, Krampa FD, Essuman E, Aubyn VNA, Boateng IA, Borteih BB, Vanotoo L, Tuakli J, Addison E, Bart-Plange C, Sorvor F, Adjei AA. Diagnostic capacity, and predictive values of rapid diagnostic tests for accurate diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum in febrile children in Asante-Akim, Ghana. Malar J 2018; 17:468. [PMID: 30547795 PMCID: PMC6295071 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2613-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study seeks to compare the performance of HRP2 (First Response) and pLDH/HRP2 (Combo) RDTs for falciparum malaria against microscopy and PCR in acutely ill febrile children at presentation and follow-up. Methods This is an interventional study that recruited children < 5 years who reported to health facilities with a history of fever within the past 72 h or a documented axillary temperature of 37.5 °C. Using a longitudinal approach, recruitment and follow-up of participants was done between January and May 2012. Based on results of HRP2-RDT screening, the children were grouped into one of the following three categories: (1) tested positive for malaria using RDT and received anti-malarial treatment (group 1, n = 85); (2) tested negative for malaria using RDT and were given anti-malarial treatment by the admitting physician (group 2, n = 74); or, (3) tested negative for malaria using RDT and did not receive any anti-malarial treatment (group 3, n = 101). Independent microscopy, PCR and Combo-RDT tests were done for each sample on day 0 and all follow-up days. Results Mean age of the study participants was 22 months and females accounted for nearly 50%. At the time of diagnosis, the mean body temperature was 37.9 °C (range 35–40.1 °C). Microscopic parasite density ranged between 300 and 99,500 parasites/µL. With microscopy as gold standard, the sensitivity of HRP2 and Combo-RDTs were 95.1 and 96.3%, respectively. The sensitivities, specificities and predictive values for RDTs were relatively higher in microscopy-defined malaria cases than in PCR positive-defined cases. On day 0, participants who initially tested negative for HRP2 were positive by microscopy (n = 2), Combo (n = 1) and PCR (n = 17). On days 1 and 2, five of the children in this group (initially HRP2-negative) tested positive by PCR alone. On day 28, four patients who were originally HRP2-negative tested positive for microscopy (n = 2), Combo (n = 2) and PCR (n = 4). Conclusion The HRP2/pLDH RDTs showed comparable diagnostic accuracy in children presenting with an acute febrile illness to health facilities in a hard-to-reach rural area in Ghana. Nevertheless, discordant results recorded on day 0 and follow-up visits using the recommended RDTs means improved malaria diagnostic capability in malaria-endemic regions is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella A Quakyi
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - George O Adjei
- Centre for Tropical Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - David J Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Amos Laar
- Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Judith K Stephens
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Richmond Owusu
- Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peter Winch
- Department of International Health, Social and Behavioural Interventions Program, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kwame S Sakyi
- Department of Public and Environmental Wellness, Oakland University, 3101 Human Health Building, 433 Meadow Brook Rd, Rochester, MI, 48309-4452, USA
| | - Nathaniel Coleman
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Francis D Krampa
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Edward Essuman
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Vivian N A Aubyn
- National Malaria Control Programme, Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac A Boateng
- Asante-Akim Central Municipal Health Directorate, Ghana Health Services, Konongo, Ghana
| | - Bernard B Borteih
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Linda Vanotoo
- Regional Health Directorate, Ghana Health Services, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | | | - Felix Sorvor
- Department of Biological, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew A Adjei
- Worldwide Universities Network, University of Ghana, P.O. Box LG 13, Legon, Accra, Ghana.
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40
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Ugwu CLJ, Zewotir TT. Using mixed effects logistic regression models for complex survey data on malaria rapid diagnostic test results. Malar J 2018; 17:453. [PMID: 30518399 PMCID: PMC6282337 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2604-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effect of malaria in Nigeria is still worrisome and has remained a leading public health issue in the country. In 2016, Nigeria was the highest malaria burden country among the 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa that accounted for the 80% global malaria cases. The purpose of this study is to utilize appropriate statistical models in identifying socio-economic, demographic and geographic risk factors that have influenced malaria transmission in Nigeria, based on malaria rapid diagnostic test survey results. This study contributes towards re-designing intervention strategies to achieve the target of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda for total malaria elimination. Methods This study adopted the generalized linear mixed models approach which accounts for the complexity of the sample survey design associated with the data. The 2015 Nigeria malaria indicator survey data of children between 6 and 59 months are used in the study. Results From the findings of this study, the cluster effect is significant \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
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\begin{document}$$(P<0.0001)$$\end{document}(P<0.0001) which has suggested evidence of heterogeneity among the clusters. It was found that the vulnerability of a child to malaria infection increases as the child advances in age. Other major significant factors were; the presence of anaemia in a child, an area where a child resides (urban or rural), the level of the mother’s education, poverty level, number of household members, sanitation, age of head of household, availability of electricity and the type of material for roofing. Moreover, children from Northern and South-West regions were also found to be at higher risk of malaria disease and re-infection. Conclusion Improvement of socio-economic development and quality of life is paramount to achieving malaria free Nigeria. There is a strong link of malaria risk with poverty, under-development and the mother’s educational level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigozie Louisa J Ugwu
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Temesgen T Zewotir
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
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Berzosa P, de Lucio A, Romay-Barja M, Herrador Z, González V, García L, Fernández-Martínez A, Santana-Morales M, Ncogo P, Valladares B, Riloha M, Benito A. Comparison of three diagnostic methods (microscopy, RDT, and PCR) for the detection of malaria parasites in representative samples from Equatorial Guinea. Malar J 2018; 17:333. [PMID: 30223852 PMCID: PMC6142353 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2481-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria in Equatorial Guinea remains a major public health problem. The country is a holo-endemic area with a year-round transmission pattern. In 2016, the prevalence of malaria was 12.09% and malaria caused 15% of deaths among children under 5 years. In the Continental Region, 95.2% of malaria infections were Plasmodium falciparum, 9.5% Plasmodium vivax, and eight cases mixed infection in 2011. The main strategy for malaria control is quick and accurate diagnosis followed by effective treatment. Early and accurate diagnosis of malaria is essential for both effective disease management and malaria surveillance. The quality of malaria diagnosis is important in all settings, as misdiagnosis can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Microscopy and RDTs are the primary choices for diagnosing malaria in the field. However, false-negative results may delay treatment and increase the number of persons capable of infecting mosquitoes in the community. The present study analysed the performance of microscopy and RDTs, the two main techniques used in Equatorial Guinea for the diagnosis of malaria, compared to semi-nested multiplex PCR (SnM-PCR). Results A total of 1724 samples tested by microscopy, RDT, and SnM-PCR were analysed. Among the negative samples detected by microscopy, 335 (19.4%) were false negatives. On the other hand, the negative samples detected by RDT, 128 (13.3%) were false negatives based on PCR. This finding is important, especially since it is a group of patients who did not receive antimalarial treatment. Conclusions Owing to the high number of false negatives in microscopy, it is necessary to reinforce training in microscopy, the “Gold Standard” in endemic areas. A network of reference centres could potentially support ongoing diagnostic and control efforts made by malaria control programmes in the long term, as the National Centre of Tropical Medicine currently supports the National Programme against Malaria of Equatorial Guinea to perform all of the molecular studies necessary for disease control. Taking into account the results obtained with the RDTs, an exhaustive study of the deletion of the hrp2 gene must be done in EG to help choose the correct RDT for this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Berzosa
- Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain. .,Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aida de Lucio
- Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romay-Barja
- Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Zaida Herrador
- Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicenta González
- Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luz García
- Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amalia Fernández-Martínez
- Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Santana-Morales
- Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de la Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Policarpo Ncogo
- Reference Centre for Control of Endemic Diseases (CRCE), Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Basilio Valladares
- Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Universitario de Enfermedades Tropicales y Salud Pública de Canarias, Universidad de la Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Matilde Riloha
- Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Equatorial Guinea, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
| | - Agustín Benito
- Malaria Laboratory, National Centre of Tropical Medicine, Institute of Health Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 5, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Network Collaborative Research in Tropical Diseases, RICET, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Hydrologic disasters, including hurricanes, tsunamis, and severe flooding, have been associated with infectious diseases, particularly among vulnerable and displaced populations in resource-poor settings. Skin and soft tissue infections, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, zoonotic infections, and vector-borne diseases each present unique threats to human health in this setting. Increased emergency physician awareness of these infectious diseases and their diagnosis and management helps optimize medical care for survivors after a hydrologic disaster and safeguard the health of disaster responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y Liang
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Nicole Messenger
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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43
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Ellis J, Eneh PC, Ssebambulidde K, Rutakingirwa MK, Lamorde M, Rhein J, Cresswell FV, Boulware DR, Nicol MR. Case Report: Three's a crowd: a case report examining the diagnostic and pharmacokinetic challenges in HIV-tuberculous meningitis-malaria co-infection. Wellcome Open Res 2018; 3:111. [DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.14726.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2016, 10.4 million cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported globally. Malaria also continues to be a global public health threat. Due to marked epidemiological overlap in the global burden of TB and malaria, co-infection does occur. An HIV-infected, 32-year-old male presented with a two-week history of headache with fevers to Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. Five months prior, he was diagnosed with pulmonary TB. He endorsed poor adherence to anti-tuberculous medications. Mycobacterium tuberculosis in CSF was confirmed on Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra. On day 2, he was initiated on dexamethasone at 0.4mg/kg/day and induction TB-medications were re-commenced (rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide) for TBM. He continued to spike high-grade fevers, a peripheral blood smear showed P. falciparum parasites despite a negative malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). He received three doses of IV artesunate and then completed 3 days of oral artemether/lumefantrine. To our knowledge this is the first published case of HIV-TBM-malaria co-infection. TBM/malaria co-infection poses a number of management challenges. Due to potential overlap in symptoms between TBM and malaria, it is important to remain vigilant for co-infection. Access to accurate parasitological diagnostics is essential, as RDT use continues to expand, it is essential that clinicians are aware of the potential for false negative results. Anti-malarial therapeutic options are limited due to important drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Rifampicin is a potent enzyme inducer of several hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, this induction results in reduced plasma concentrations of several anti-malarial medications. Despite recognition of potential DDIs between rifampicin and artemisinin compounds, and rifampicin and quinine, no treatment guidelines currently exist for managing patients with co-infection. There is both an urgent need for the development of new anti-malarial drugs which do not interact with rifampicin and for pharmacokinetic studies to guide dose modification of existing anti-malarial drugs to inform clinical practice guidelines.
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44
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Osorio L, Garcia JA, Parra LG, Garcia V, Torres L, Degroote S, Ridde V. A scoping review on the field validation and implementation of rapid diagnostic tests for vector-borne and other infectious diseases of poverty in urban areas. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:87. [PMID: 30173662 PMCID: PMC6120097 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0474-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health personnel face challenges in diagnosing vector-borne and other diseases of poverty in urban settings. There is a need to know what rapid diagnostic technologies are available, have been properly assessed, and are being implemented to improve control of these diseases in the urban context. This paper characterizes evidence on the field validation and implementation in urban areas of rapid diagnostics for vector-borne diseases and other diseases of poverty. MAIN BODY A scoping review was conducted. Peer-reviewed and grey literature were searched using terms describing the targeted infectious diseases, diagnostics evaluations, rapid tests, and urban setting. The review was limited to studies published between 2000 and 2016 in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were refined post hoc to identify relevant literature regardless of study design and geography. A total of 179 documents of the 7806 initially screened were included in the analysis. Malaria (n = 100) and tuberculosis (n = 47) accounted for the majority of studies that reported diagnostics performance, impact, and implementation outcomes. Fewer studies, assessing mainly performance, were identified for visceral leishmaniasis (n = 9), filariasis and leptospirosis (each n = 5), enteric fever and schistosomiasis (each n = 3), dengue and leprosy (each n = 2), and Chagas disease, human African trypanosomiasis, and cholera (each n = 1). Reported sensitivity of rapid tests was variable depending on several factors. Overall, specificities were high (> 80%), except for schistosomiasis and cholera. Impact and implementation outcomes, mainly acceptability and cost, followed by adoption, feasibility, and sustainability of rapid tests are being evaluated in the field. Challenges to implementing rapid tests range from cultural to technical and administrative issues. CONCLUSIONS Rapid diagnostic tests for vector-borne and other diseases of poverty are being used in the urban context with demonstrated impact on case detection. However, most evidence comes from malaria rapid diagnostics, with variable results. While rapid tests for tuberculosis and visceral leishmaniasis require further implementation studies, more evidence on performance of current tests or development of new alternatives is needed for dengue, Chagas disease, filariasis, leptospirosis, enteric fever, human African trypanosomiasis, schistosomiasis and cholera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyda Osorio
- Epidemiology and Population Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Universidad del Valle, Calle 4B No. 36-00 Edif 118 Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad del Valle Campus San Fernando, Cali, Colombia
| | - Jonny Alejandro Garcia
- Epidemiology and Population Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Universidad del Valle, Calle 4B No. 36-00 Edif 118 Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad del Valle Campus San Fernando, Cali, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Luis Gabriel Parra
- Epidemiology and Population Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Universidad del Valle, Calle 4B No. 36-00 Edif 118 Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad del Valle Campus San Fernando, Cali, Colombia
- School of Medicine, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Victor Garcia
- Epidemiology and Population Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Universidad del Valle, Calle 4B No. 36-00 Edif 118 Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad del Valle Campus San Fernando, Cali, Colombia
| | - Laura Torres
- Epidemiology and Population Health Research Group, School of Public Health, Universidad del Valle, Calle 4B No. 36-00 Edif 118 Escuela de Salud Pública, Universidad del Valle Campus San Fernando, Cali, Colombia
| | - Stéphanie Degroote
- University of Montreal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Valéry Ridde
- University of Montreal Public Health Research Institute (IRSPUM), Montreal, Canada
- French Institute for Research on Sustainable Development (IRD), Paris Descartes University, Population and Development Center (CEPED), Université Paris Sorbonne Cité, National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Health, Vulnerabilities and Gender Relations South (SAGESUD), Paris, France
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Kiemde F, Tahita MC, Bonko MDA, Mens PF, Tinto H, van Hensbroek MB, Schallig HDFH. Implementation of a malaria rapid diagnostic test in a rural setting of Nanoro, Burkina Faso: from expectation to reality. Malar J 2018; 17:316. [PMID: 30165849 PMCID: PMC6117982 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2468-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are nowadays widely used in malaria endemic countries as an alternative to microscopy for the diagnosis of malaria. However, quality control of test performance and execution in the field are important in order to ensure proper use and adequate diagnosis of malaria. The current study compared the performance of a histidine-rich protein 2-based RDT used at peripheral health facilities level in real life conditions with that performed at central reference laboratory level with strict adherence to manufacturer instructions. Methods Febrile children attending rural health clinics were tested for malaria with a RDT provided by the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso as recommended by the National Malaria Control Programme. In addition, a blood sample was collected in an EDTA tube from all study cases for retesting with the same brand of RDT following the manufacturer’s instructions with expert malaria microscopy as gold standard at the central reference laboratory. Fisher exact test was used to compare the proportions by estimating the p-value (p ≤ 0.05) as statistically significant. Results In total, 407 febrile children were included in the study and malaria was diagnosed in 59.9% (244/407) of the cases with expert malaria microscopy. The sensitivity of malaria RDT testing performed at health facilities was 97.5% and comparable to that achieved at the laboratory (98.8%). The number of malaria false negatives was not statistically significant between the two groups (p = 0.5209). However, the malaria RDT testing performed at health facilities had a specificity issue (52.8%) and was much lower compared to RDT testing performed at laboratory (74.2%). The number of malaria false positives was statistically significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.0005). Conclusion Malaria RDT testing performed at the participating rural health facilities resulted in more malaria false positives compared to those performed at central laboratory. Several factors, including storage and transportation conditions but also training of health workers, are most likely to influence test performance. Therefore, it is very important to have appropriate quality control and training programmes in place to ensure correct performance of RDT testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois Kiemde
- Institut de Recherche en Science de la Sante-Unité de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro, Nanoro, Burkina Faso. .,Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Global Child Health Group, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Marc Christian Tahita
- Institut de Recherche en Science de la Sante-Unité de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | - Massa Dit Achille Bonko
- Institut de Recherche en Science de la Sante-Unité de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro, Nanoro, Burkina Faso.,Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petra F Mens
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Halidou Tinto
- Institut de Recherche en Science de la Sante-Unité de Recherche Clinique de Nanoro, Nanoro, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Henk D F H Schallig
- Parasitology Unit, Department of Medical Microbiology, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Druetz T. Evaluation of direct and indirect effects of seasonal malaria chemoprevention in Mali. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8104. [PMID: 29802375 PMCID: PMC5970148 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials have established that seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) in children is a promising strategy to reduce malaria transmission in Sahelian West Africa. This strategy was recently introduced in a dozen countries, and about 12 million children received SMC in 2016. However, evidence on SMC effectiveness under routine programme conditions is sparse. We aim to measure the effects of the nationwide SMC programme in Mali on the prevalence of malaria and anemia in children 6-59 months. We used data from the 2015 nationally representative malaria indicator survey. A post-test only with non-randomized control group study was designed. We fitted a generalized structural equation model that controlled for potential bias on observed and non-observed variables (endogenous treatment effect model). Having received SMC reduced by 44% (95% CI [0.39-0.49]) the risk of having a positive rapid diagnostic test for malaria. In addition, the programme indirectly reduced by 18% the risk of moderate-to-severe anemia (95% CI [0.15-0.21]). SMC in Mali has substantial protective effects under routine nationwide programme conditions. Endogenous treatment effects analyses can contribute to rigorously measuring the effectiveness of health programmes and to bridging a widening gap in evaluation methods to measure progress towards achieving malaria elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Druetz
- Center for Applied Malaria Research and Evaluation, Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, USA.
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
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Boyce MR, Menya D, Turner EL, Laktabai J, Prudhomme-O'Meara W. Evaluation of malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT) use by community health workers: a longitudinal study in western Kenya. Malar J 2018; 17:206. [PMID: 29776359 PMCID: PMC5960182 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2358-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are a simple, point-of-care technology that can improve the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of malaria. They are an increasingly common diagnostic tool, but concerns remain about their use by community health workers (CHWs). These concerns regard the long-term trends relating to infection prevention measures, the interpretation of test results and adherence to treatment protocols. This study assessed whether CHWs maintained their competency at conducting RDTs over a 12-month timeframe, and if this competency varied with specific CHW characteristics. Methods From June to September, 2015, CHWs (n = 271) were trained to conduct RDTs using a 3-day validated curriculum and a baseline assessment was completed. Between June and August, 2016, CHWs (n = 105) were randomly selected and recruited for follow-up assessments using a 20-step checklist that classified steps as relating to safety, accuracy, and treatment; 103 CHWs participated in follow-up assessments. Poisson regressions were used to test for associations between error count data at follow-up and Poisson regression models fit using generalized estimating equations were used to compare data across time-points. Results At both baseline and follow-up observations, at least 80% of CHWs correctly completed 17 of the 20 steps. CHWs being 50 years of age or older was associated with increased total errors and safety errors at baseline and follow-up. At follow-up, prior experience conducting RDTs was associated with fewer errors. Performance, as it related to the correct completion of all checklist steps and safety steps, did not decline over the 12 months and performance of accuracy steps improved (mean error ratio: 0.51; 95% CI 0.40–0.63). Visual interpretation of RDT results yielded a CHW sensitivity of 92.0% and a specificity of 97.3% when compared to interpretation by the research team. None of the characteristics investigated was found to be significantly associated with RDT interpretation. Conclusions With training, most CHWs performing RDTs maintain diagnostic testing competency over at least 12 months. CHWs generally perform RDTs safely and accurately interpret results. Younger age and prior experiences with RDTs were associated with better testing performance. Future research should investigate the mode by which CHW characteristics impact RDT procedures. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12936-018-2358-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Boyce
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Diana Menya
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Moi University School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Elizabeth L Turner
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeremiah Laktabai
- Department of Family Medicine, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Wendy Prudhomme-O'Meara
- Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Moi University School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Eldoret, Kenya.,Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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48
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Abstract
Malaria parasites (Plasmodium) can change the attractiveness of their vertebrate hosts to Anopheles vectors, leading to a greater number of vector-host contacts and increased transmission. Indeed, naturally Plasmodium-infected children have been shown to attract more mosquitoes than parasite-free children. Here, we demonstrate Plasmodium-induced increases in the attractiveness of skin odor in Kenyan children and reveal quantitative differences in the production of specific odor components in infected vs. parasite-free individuals. We found the aldehydes heptanal, octanal, and nonanal to be produced in greater amounts by infected individuals and detected by mosquito antennae. In behavioral experiments, we demonstrated that these, and other, Plasmodium-induced aldehydes enhanced the attractiveness of a synthetic odor blend mimicking "healthy" human odor. Heptanal alone increased the attractiveness of "parasite-free" natural human odor. Should the increased production of these aldehydes by Plasmodium-infected humans lead to increased mosquito biting in a natural setting, this would likely affect the transmission of malaria.
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49
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Swana EK, Yav TI, Ngwej LM, Mupemba BN, Suprianto, Mukeng CK, Hattingh I, Luboya ON, Kakoma JBS, Bangs MJ. School-based malaria prevalence: informative systematic surveillance measure to assess epidemiological impact of malaria control interventions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Malar J 2018; 17:141. [PMID: 29615041 PMCID: PMC5883584 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, malaria transmission is stable with seasonal fluctuations. Different measurements can be used to monitor disease burden and estimate the performance of control programmes. Repeated school-based malaria prevalence surveys (SMPS) were conducted from 2007 to 2014 to generate up-to-date surveillance data and evaluate the impact of an integrated vector control programme. Methods Biannual SMPS used a stratified, randomized and proportional sampling method. Schools were randomly selected from the entire pool of facilities within each Health Area (HA). Subsequently, school-children from 6 to 12 years of age were randomly selected in a proportional manner. Initial point-of-care malaria diagnosis was made using a rapid detection test. A matching stained blood film was later examined by expert microscopy and used in the final analysis. Data was stratified and analysed based on age, survey time and location. Results The baseline SMPS (pre-control in 2007) prevalence was approximately 77%. From 2009 to 2014, 11,628 school-children were randomly screened. The mean age was 8.7 years with a near equal sex ratio. After exclusion, analysis of 10,493 students showed an overall malaria prevalence ratio of 1.92 in rural compared to urbanized areas. The distribution of Plasmodium falciparum malaria was significantly different between rural and urban HAs and between end of wet season and end of dry season surveys. The combined prevalence of single P. falciparum, Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale infections were 29.9, 1.8 and 0.3% of those examined, respectively. Only 1.8% were mixed Plasmodium species infections. From all microscopically detected infections (3545 of 10,493 samples examined), P. falciparum represented 88.5%, followed by P. malariae (5.4%) and P. ovale (0.8%). Cases with multiple species represented 5.3% of patent infections. Malaria prevalence was independent of age and gender. Control programme performance contributed to a significant decrease in mean P. falciparum infection density in urban compared to rural locations. Some rural areas remained highly refractory to control measures (insecticide-treated bed nets, periodic indoor residual spraying). Conclusion The SMPS is a useful longitudinal measurement for estimating population malaria prevalence and demonstrating disease burden and impact of control interventions. SMPS can identify refractory areas of transmission and thus prioritize control strategies accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard K Swana
- China Molybdenum Company International, Ltd/International SOS, Public Health Programme, Tenke Fungurume Mining Project, Lualaba, Democratic Republic of the Congo. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. .,School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| | - Thierry I Yav
- China Molybdenum Company International, Ltd/International SOS, Public Health Programme, Tenke Fungurume Mining Project, Lualaba, Democratic Republic of the Congo.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.,School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Leonard M Ngwej
- China Molybdenum Company International, Ltd/International SOS, Public Health Programme, Tenke Fungurume Mining Project, Lualaba, Democratic Republic of the Congo.,School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Betty N Mupemba
- Public Health Referral Laboratory, Lubumbashi, Haut Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Suprianto
- Public Health & Malaria Control, International SOS, P.T. Freeport Indonesia, Kuala Kencana, Papua, 99920, Indonesia
| | - Clarence K Mukeng
- School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Izak Hattingh
- China Molybdenum Company International, Ltd/International SOS, Public Health Programme, Tenke Fungurume Mining Project, Lualaba, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Oscar N Luboya
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.,School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Jean-Baptiste S Kakoma
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.,School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Michael J Bangs
- School of Public Health, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.,Public Health & Malaria Control, International SOS, P.T. Freeport Indonesia, Kuala Kencana, Papua, 99920, Indonesia
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50
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Amir A, Cheong FW, De Silva JR, Lau YL. Diagnostic tools in childhood malaria. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:53. [PMID: 29361963 PMCID: PMC5781272 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Every year, millions of people are burdened with malaria. An estimated 429,000 casualties were reported in 2015, with the majority made up of children under five years old. Early and accurate diagnosis of malaria is of paramount importance to ensure appropriate administration of treatment. This minimizes the risk of parasite resistance development, reduces drug wastage and unnecessary adverse reaction to antimalarial drugs. Malaria diagnostic tools have expanded beyond the conventional microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood films. Contemporary and innovative techniques have emerged, mainly the rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and other molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR, qPCR and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). Even microscopic diagnosis has gone through a paradigm shift with the development of new techniques such as the quantitative buffy coat (QBC) method and the Partec rapid malaria test. This review explores the different diagnostic tools available for childhood malaria, each with their characteristic strengths and limitations. These tools play an important role in making an accurate malaria diagnosis to ensure that the use of anti-malaria are rationalized and that presumptive diagnosis would only be a thing of the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirah Amir
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fei-Wen Cheong
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jeremy R De Silva
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yee-Ling Lau
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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